Aurelien Tchouameni #8 of France
Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images
Real Madrid could be prepared to part ways with Aurelien Tchouameni if a suitable offer arrives, despite the midfielder having established himself as an important player under Jose Mourinho.
According to information from Jorge Picon, relayed by Defensa Central, Real Madrid would currently be more willing to sell Tchouameni than Eduardo Camavinga.
That is notable given Camavinga was himself made available for a potential transfer last summer.
The situation is particularly intriguing because Tchouameni has become a regular starter since returning to fitness.
In fact, he now forms a midfield partnership with Federico Valverde and remains one of the players Mourinho trusts most.
Aurelien Tchouameni transfer: Real Madrid open to a good offer
Picon provided a clear indication of Madrid’s current thinking when discussing the Frenchman’s future.
“I’m being told that if a good offer comes in, it’s a sale. The person telling me this believes they’d sell Tchouameni before Camavinga.”
Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid player
Real Madrid are still open to selling Tchouameni. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
The possibility of Tchouameni leaving is not entirely new, as Real Madrid had already considered his future during their pursuit of Rodri, with the club expecting the former Manchester City midfielder to arrive.
“In some meeting last year, when the Rodri deal was going to happen, Madrid considered it a done deal that he was coming.
“It was said then that they had to find a way out for Tchouameni. I connect it to the renewal issue. It doesn’t quite add up anymore,” he said.
Rodri ultimately joined Barcelona, leaving Tchouameni’s position unchanged. Yet the midfielder’s situation remains one worth watching.
Tchouameni and Camavinga under scrutiny?
There is an obvious contradiction between the willingness to sell Tchouameni and the club’s current use of him.
He missed the beginning of the campaign after suffering discomfort at the World Cup, but once available, Mourinho integrated him into his preferred midfield structure.
Tchouameni has formed a double pivot with Valverde, and both are currently considered undisputed starters under the Portuguese coach.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid player
Real Madrid have an agreement in place with Tchouameni over a new contract. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
That could make any potential transfer particularly difficult to understand from a purely sporting perspective.
Mourinho trusts Tchouameni
On top of that, the midfielder’s future could also be complicated by his contract situation.
His current deal runs until 2028, while Real Madrid have reached a preliminary understanding with his representatives over an extension until 2031.
Picón suggested there could be factors beyond football involved in that renewal.
“I think the renewal involves a commitment, something more than just the sporting aspect. That’s the feeling I get,” he noted.
For now, Tchouameni remains a key part of Mourinho’s midfield, but if the right proposal arrives, Real Madrid could apparently be willing to consider a sale – even before opening the door for Camavinga to leave.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Real Madrid signed Eduardo Camavinga at a time when he was regarded as one of the biggest midfield talents around.
Los Blancos beat significant European competition to sign the Frenchman, but his development has left a lot to be desired.
Camavinga is under no illusions about where his career currently stands. The Real Madrid midfielder knows his development has not matched his enormous potential so far.
According to Diario AS, Camavinga remains determined to succeed at the Bernabeu despite interest from elsewhere.
Camavinga recognises where he must improve
After a difficult previous season and the disappointment of missing the World Cup, the 23-year-old returned this campaign determined to rebuild his position for club and country.
“Since my career started, everything has gone very quickly, but Rome wasn’t built in a day and I still have plenty of time ahead of me,” Camavinga said.
Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid player
Eduardo Camavinga has started the new season on a good note. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The midfielder is conscious that concentration remains an area requiring improvement.
“I have to make fewer mistakes,” he admitted.
Last season, Camavinga played 2,199 minutes but found little sustained rhythm, while missing France’s World Cup squad was a huge blow.
Camavinga responded by working intensely during his holidays, with his objective unchanged, and it seems to have worked out.
Mourinho and Zidane offer their backing
There have already been encouraging signs. Zinedine Zidane has placed his trust in Camavinga with France, where his physical qualities and ability to contribute in possession offer something different.
Against Belgium, he recorded eight recoveries and four interceptions before leaving to an ovation.
Mourinho has also maintained his faith. Camavinga started throughout Madrid’s pre-season and has accumulated 240 competitive minutes, including two starts.
After one of those opportunities against Malaga, Mourinho publicly defended him:
“A boy who isn’t very loved played a great game,” he said.
Mourinho can help Camavinga discover his best position
The next step should not simply be about Camavinga earning more minutes. Madrid must decide what they want him to become.
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid
Real Madrid should give Camavinga a clear and definite position. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
His versatility has always been useful, but it can also prevent a young midfielder from developing a clear identity. Camavinga has spent years being used in multiple positions.
However, the onus is now on Mourinho to give the Frenchman clarity and allow him to settle into one position.
If Mourinho can give him a defined role while Zidane continues building his confidence internationally, Camavinga still has the chance to turn his career around.
At 23, there is still time for that, and it remains to be seen how Camavinga approaches his development in the coming months.