Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Amid all the uncertainties around Real Madrid’s midfield in recent weeks, one player whose future was called into question was Aurelien Tchouameni.
The Frenchman has been a mainstay in Los Blancos’ midfield for a few years now, but Jose Mourinho’s demand for a new defensive midfielder and the club’s links with a big-money move for Rodri threw his future into a grey area.
After all, Manchester United have been interested in the Frenchman for a long time, and he was considered an asset who can generate significant revenue should the club require it.
As clarified by Fabrizio Romano earlier today, however, Tchouameni’s future is now clear beyond doubt, and Real Madrid have decided that he will stay.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Mourinho counts on Tchouameni. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Despite all the rumours doing the rounds, the Frenchman will be a Real Madrid player next season and his contract renewal has already been signed.
Jose Mourinho heavily counts on the player for the upcoming season, and Tchouameni will play a leading role in Real Madrid’s midfield as the only pure defensive midfielder in the squad. He will be an important player under Mourinho.
While Tchouameni remains a strong contender to be a regular starter for Real Madrid, there is an overall sense of uncertainty around how Jose Mourinho will line up his midfield troops this season.
After all, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham have been de facto starters alongside Tchouameni in recent years, but Bernardo Silva’s arrival means that one of the players could be dropped from the starting lineup.
Mourinho holds Bernardo Silva in high regard. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
If recent reports are to be believed, Mourinho wishes to build his midfield around Silva with the Portuguese star playing as a deep-lying midfielder.
In that sense, he could replace one of Tchouameni or Valverde in the XI at a time when dropping neither player is easy.
With Tchouameni set to return to training this week, there will thus be focus on the player’s adaptation to Jose Mourinho’s preseason and dynamics.
After all, he did not have a memorable World Cup and has a lot to improve if he is to push to be the de facto starter.
Endrick, Real Madrid and Brazil player
Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Real Madrid’s spending spree this summer is set to have major repercussions to some of the existing stars in the team.
One of the unlikely victims is Endrick. After coming back from a successful loan spell at Lyon, the Brazilian has found himself surplus to requirements at Real Madrid.
Jose Mourinho is not too keen on utilising his services heading into the new season, with the Portuguese manager already having the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Yan Diomande and Rodrygo under his disposal.
Endrick, Brazil and Real Madrid player
Endrick is surplus to the requirements at Real Madrid. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images)
According to Diario AS, Endrick is now seriously weighing up another loan move, having listened to offers since the signing of Carlos Espi was confirmed.
Mourinho has left the final decision in the player’s hands, but Endrick already knows exactly where he stands in the pecking order.
The Portuguese views him more as a number nine than a right winger, the role he occupied at Lyon, yet also acknowledges the Brazilian lacks the traits of a traditional, positional centre-forward.
That leaves Endrick as the third option in attack behind Mbappe and Espi, with the right wing even more congested following Diomande’s arrival, and Brahim Diaz, Bernardo Silva and a returning Rodrygo all competing for minutes.
Endrick, Brazil and Real Madrid player
Endrick has no shortage of suitors. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Getty Images)
Should Endrick leave, he is clear about the kind of move he wants, prioritising a club in European competition, ideally the Champions League, where he would be guaranteed a starting role at number nine.
That is precisely what Lyon offered him, and the gamble paid off, with Endrick scoring eight goals and providing seven assists in 21 appearances during his half-season in France.
Now, both Roma and Aston Villa have made approaches, with each meeting the conditions Endrick has set for a potential departure.
A loan may also suit Real Madrid, who are keen to protect a significant investment. Having spent close to €80 million on Endrick in total since signing him from Palmeiras, the club are reluctant to see his value diminish.
To facilitate a move, Real Madrid are even considering covering part of his salary, which exceeds €5 million net per season, in a similar arrangement to the one agreed with Fiorentina for Franco Mastantuono. For now, though, the ball is in Endrick’s court.