Image for Liverpool will have to do “huge” thing to strike deal for Real Madrid star – journalist
Image for Liverpool will have to do “huge” thing to strike deal for Real Madrid star – journalist
Liverpool will reportedly need to pay a “huge” amount of money if they want to have a chance of signing Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Reds will likely look for new signings in central midfield in the January transfer window, or in the summer of 2027 at the latest.
Monaco’s Lamine Camara is still believed to be a leading candidate to join Liverpool next year, with journalist James Pearce saying they “retain a strong interest” in the 22-year-old.
Someone who looks to be a less likely addition is Tchouameni, with fellow journalist Pete O’Rourke telling Football Insider that Madrid are happy with him and would likely only accept a significant offer:
“There was interest previously in Tchouameni, and I’m sure there will be interest again going forward. But it will be a very difficult deal to do because he only recently signed a new contract at Real Madrid to extend his stay until 2031.
“Real are obviously counting on Tchouameni. They’re obviously happy with him and they hope he will continue to play a signficant part in their plans under Jose Mourinho.
“And again, because of Real Madrid’s position, it would cost a huge amount to try and even prise him away from the Bernabeu as well. So I think if Liverpool are looking for midfield reinforcements in the next couple of transfer windows they might have to look elsewhere.”
Aurelien Tchouameni: Liverpool’s perfect midfield signing?
Tchouameni was a rumoured big target for Liverpool years ago before he joined Madrid, having also caught the eye for Monaco like Camara is currently.
There was a reason for that, and the Frenchman has gone on to be one of Europe’s most consistent defensive midfielders, winning one Champions League and La Liga title apiece, and being hailed by Rio Ferdinand back in 2022:
“Listen, Tchouameni is a young kid, he’s going to make mistakes but he’s a superb talent, he produces moments out of nowhere, incredible player. Replacing Pogba in a France XI is not an easy task, but so far, Tchouaméni has been superb. Tchouameni showed why he plays for Real Madrid. He has the patience, talent, control, he has everything you need.”
Unfortunately, though, it looks as though Tchouameni is an unattainable option for Liverpool, given his price tag and the fact that Madrid don’t want to lose an influential figure.
For that reason, the Reds should focus on others, not least Camara, who feels like the No.1 choice as things stand, as new sporting director Julian Ward looks to work his magic back in the role.
There is so much to like about the Senegal international, from his tackling ability off the ball to his quality in possession – he has averaged 5.2 tackles per game in Ligue 1 this season – and he is a player who should only grow as the years pass.
Unlike Tchouameni, he wouldn’t cost a big fee – if anything, he would be good value for money, with recent reports suggesting Liverpool could get their man for around £47m, with Chelsea linked with a move for that amount.