Soccer
Report: Real Madrid Willing to Listen to Offers for €80 Million Galactico
Reigning European champions Real Madrid are reportedly open to listening to offers for midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The Frenchman, who joined the club from AS Monaco for a whopping €80 million ($86.8 million) fee in 2022, is contractually tied to the All Whites until June 2028.
Real Madrid Concerned About Aurelien Tchouameni’s Performances
According to renowned journalist Jorge C Picon, Real Madrid are prepared to entertain offers for one of their Galacticos, Tchouameni. The 24-year-old has come under intense scrutiny due to his performances this season and is reportedly starting to lose favors inside the club. Los Blancos seemingly favor Tchouameni’s compatriot Eduardo Camavinga, who adds more mobility to the midfield.
Tchouameni joined the club to fill in for five-time UEFA Champions League-winning defensive midfielder Casemiro. The France international showed plenty of promise in his debut season and then played a pivotal role as Real Madrid won the La Liga-Champions League double in 2023-24. However, his performances, both as a defensive midfielder and a make-shift center-back, have raised eyebrows this term.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti benched him for the UEFA Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund last week and hooked him in the 4-0 defeat to Barcelona on Saturday (October 26). His poor positioning was one of the talking points as Real Madrid fell to a heavy defeat against their arch-rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Ancelotti still has faith in Tchouameni and sees him as a starter, but many members of the hierarchy, including President Florentino Perez, are concerned. They believe Camavinga is better suited for the holding midfield position.
Tchouameni Struggling to Fill in for Toni Kroos While Rodri Threat Looms
Toni Kroos’ retirement has hurt Tchouameni, who is struggling to strike the perfect balance between attack and defense. With Kroos around, Tchouameni rarely had to think twice about his movements, knowing the German was there to guide him or cover for him when required. This season, he not only has to shield the back line but also dictate tempo in the middle of the park, which is proving to be a difficult job.
Real Madrid is notorious for not allowing players enough time to work out the kinks, and unfortunately, Tchouameni is now on the receiving end. Los Merengues are reportedly keeping a close eye on 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who is arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world. So, unless Tchouameni picks up the pace and delivers top-tier performances throughout the 2024-25 campaign, he could find himself in an uncomfortable position when the next summer transfer window comes around.