Real Madrid
Real Madrid
Real Madrid have made a firm decision over Aurelien Tchouameni amid fresh transfer news linking the midfielder with Liverpool, as new sporting director Julian Ward eyes a bold coup.
Ward eyes Tchouameni as first major move
Julian Ward has returned to Liverpool as sporting director. He replaced Richard Hughes, who left Anfield this year for a new challenge at Al-Hilal. As reported by journalist Pete O’Rourke, Ward has long admired Tchouameni and wants him among his top transfer targets. Liverpool had tracked the France international as far back as 2022, when he was still at Monaco. Real Madrid moved decisively at the time and won the race for his signature instead. Ward already knows the club well, having held the same sporting director job during the 2022-23 campaign.
Liverpool’s midfield has looked short of control in several matches this season, and Tchouameni fits the exact profile that Ward is chasing. However, O’Rourke also cautioned that a deal could be difficult to complete soon, given how settled Aurelien Tchouameni appears to be in the Spanish capital.
Tchouameni’s stats for the 2025-26 season at Real Madrid, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Tackles Interceptions Successful passes
La Liga 33 68 47 1,751
UCL 13 24 26 645
Real Madrid unlikely to sell cheaply
Real Madrid, though, have no real intention of letting Tchouameni leave the Bernabeu anytime soon. Madrid secured his future recently, with the 26-year-old committing to a new contract that runs until 2031. That deal alone shows how highly Real Madrid rate his long-term importance to the squad. Head coach Jose Mourinho now views Tchouameni as a key part of his midfield plans this season. O’Rourke also noted that Real Madrid want this player staying put and will firmly resist any sale soon.
Liverpool would need to break their transfer record just to tempt Madrid into negotiations. Since joining in 2022, Tchouameni has made well over 150 appearances for the club, with many pundits rating him among the finest holding midfielders in world football. His versatility, including his ability to play centre back when needed, has made him even more valuable to Mourinho’s plans this season. Liverpool’s interest is genuine, but the financial and contractual gap between both clubs remains significant right now.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid
Why Aurelien Tchouameni would suit Liverpool’s system
Tactically, Aurelien Tchouameni offers exactly what Liverpool’s midfield has lacked at times this season so far. That has shown up in games where control has slipped away in the middle third. He reads danger early, breaks up opposition attacks, and can fill in at centre back. That flexibility would give Ward’s squad extra balance during a busy fixture schedule this term. A player with passing range and positioning would strengthen Liverpool’s control in the biggest matches.
Liverpool currently lack a true holding midfielder who can really shield the back line properly. Adding someone of Tchouameni’s calibre would let other players push forward with more attacking confidence. His experience thriving under pressure at Real Madrid suggests he would settle into Premier League football quickly.
Liverpool may ultimately need a fallback option if this transfer news fails to progress this year. Ward’s first transfer window in charge will be watched by fans hoping for fresh midfield reinforcements. Whether Tchouameni becomes a reality or not, his situation still says plenty about Liverpool’s midfield needs. The Reds are still trying to close a clear gap in central midfield this season.