Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
According to AS, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has fully capitalised on the extended international break to regain his fitness and rhythm.
The French midfielder has been using the past two weeks to have the ‘pre-season’ he did not get during the summer with an injury.
There is still a third week to come, the one that is beginning now, and it will be the week when he gets the green light to complete his conditioning. But the signs have been excellent. In short, everything is going according to plan.
Tchouameni played in the derby against Atletico Madrid without being at his physical and sporting best. He was fully recovered from his injury, but lacked match rhythm.
After staying in Madrid during the international break, he has worked hard on what was missing. Now he is ready.
A key player for Mourinho
Tchouameni is a key player for the coaching staff, the player who is expected to provide stability to the team. He is important in the build-up and, above all, provides defensive strength.
Marc Pubill, Atletico Madrid player
Lacking rhythm and sharpness. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
That is inevitably a concern: Real Madrid have conceded nine goals in eight matches. The problem became bigger in the last two games as the Merengues let in two against Elche and two in the derby.
Tchouameni played in both the matches, but it was clear that he was short of training and needed more minutes.
And, France manager Zinedine Zidane decided to not call him up so that he can work on those things while staying back in Madrid.
A lot of hard work
These have been weeks of a heavy physical workload for Tchouameni with very few days off. While many of his teammates have been able to enjoy some time away, he has understood that these three weeks are about making up for lost time.
It is the specific preparation he could not do in the summer because of the injury he carried from the World Cup.
Inside Valdebebas, the message is that he has spent “hours and hours” working – many in the gym, many out on the pitch, combining sessions with his team-mates with individual, personalised work.
The focus has been on getting his physical condition back to where it needs to be.
Centre-back crisis
Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid player
Tchouameni could play at centre-back for Real Madrid vs Villarreal. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
In the short term, the situation is serious. Villarreal are next for Real Madrid, and everything suggests that Tchouameni will start, possibly at centre-back.
Eder Militao is already working on the pitch but will not return until at least November. Dean Huijsen is suspended after being sent off in the derby, while Raul Asencio has just undergone surgery and will be out for at least three months.
And, Ibrahima Konate is being handled with caution after returning from the France camp with an injury.
Given the situation, Mourinho will have to choose between Tchouameni and a youth-team player such as Oscar Naasei, Joan Martínez or Mario Rivas to partner Antonio Rudiger.
That decision will come later. For now, Tchouameni is about making the most of the present. by going to Valdebebas, pushing himself, recovering his fitness, his confidence and his rhythm.
Report: Bournemouth set mammoth €80 million asking price for Real Madrid midfield target
Alex Scott, Bournemouth player
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Real Madrid have been handed a clear indication of what it would take to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, with the Premier League club valuing the England international at around €80 million, according to Bernabeu Digital.
Real Madrid have been monitoring the midfield market, and Scott has emerged as one of the names being considered for a potential move in 2027, although no offer has been made at this stage.
The 23-year-old remains under contract with Bournemouth until 2028, meaning Los Blancos would have to negotiate a significant fee if they decide to turn their interest into a formal proposal.
Bournemouth have already rejected €70m for Scott
Bournemouth’s €80m valuation is not without precedent, as Chelsea tested the waters last summer with an offer worth around €70m, only for the proposal to be rejected.
Alex Scott, Bournemouth player
Real Madrid are monitoring Alex Scott. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Furthermore, Liverpool are also monitoring the midfielder, increasing the potential competition for his signature should Bournemouth eventually decide to sell.
For now, the English club has no intention of allowing the midfielder to leave during the winter window, but his situation could become more interesting once the season ends.
With his contract still running for another two years, Bournemouth remain in a strong negotiating position and are even considering a renewal at this stage.
Real Madrid have already asked about Scott
As reported before, Real Madrid’s interest emerged during discussions with Bournemouth over Dean Huijsen.
During those talks, the Spanish giants asked about Scott and requested to be kept informed if the midfielder became available.
Real Madrid’s interest comes on the back of his ability to operate in different midfield roles.
Alex Scott, Bournemouth player
Real Madrid will have to pay €80 million for Alex Scott. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
The club feels that Scott has the technical quality to help progress possession, which is a crucial trait that the team currently lacks.
Scott could become a 2027 Real Madrid target
Real Madrid are not currently preparing an €80m bid, but the midfielder is on the club’s radar as they assess their longer-term options.
Ultimately, if Los Blancos decide that a new playmaker is required in 2027, Scott could become one of the leading candidates.
For now, however, Bournemouth’s valuation gives Real Madrid an idea of the financial commitment involved.
However, any move would also face competition from Premier League clubs, with Chelsea and Liverpool already showing interest.