Liverpool are looking for another midfielder after signing Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai, and a new update on a prospective deal for a familiar transfer target has emerged.
Liverpool have renewed their interest in Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, according to The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe.
Bascombe adds that Jurgen Klopp would want to sign Tchouameni if Los Blancos made him available, which is likely to hinge on their possible signing of Kylian Mbappe, with Tchouameni’s sale able to enhance money in order to clinch the Paris Saint-Germain star’s signature.
Did Liverpool make an offer for Tchouameni?
Tchouameni will be a familiar face to Anfield supporters after Liverpool made him their top midfield target last summer. However, an approach from their Champions League rivals proved too enticing for the midfielder to turn down.
The Reds supposedly accepted personal terms with Tchouameni in the summer of 2022, but within weeks, he was revealed as a Real Madrid player in a €100 million (£86.5 million) transfer.
Last month, it was claimed that Liverpool had launched a €55 million (£47 million) approach to entice him away from Spain, but it fell short of expectations, with Florentino Perez seeking an eye-watering €80 million (£69 million).
Indeed, after spending over £95 million this summer, it would be a significant commitment for FSG to sanction this summer, but with both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson due to go for the Saudi Pro League this summer, it might be a deal that sets up Liverpool’s midfield for many years to come.
Tchouameni is one of Europe’s most exciting young prospects, ranking in the top 1% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for pass completion and interceptions, as well as in the top 11% for aerial duels won and clearances, demonstrating strong midfield traits that could make him not only the ideal Henderson replacement, but also an excellent partner for Mac Allister.
Tchouameni comfortably outperformed the England midfielder in a number of key attributes last season, including pass completion (92.8% v 83%), goal-creating actions per 90 (0.51 v 0.30), successful take-ons (71.8% v 52.2%), percentage of tacklers dribbled (60.5% v 41.7%), and aerial duels won (66.7% v 52.4%).
In terms of forming a relationship with Mac Allister, the former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder’s link with Moises Caicedo became an unstoppable force on the south coast last season, playing a significant role in the Seagulls’ qualifying for European competition.
According to FBref, Caicedo is one of the most comparable players to Tchouameni in the last year, with the pair sharing similarities in pass completion (92.8% v 88.5%), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.47 v 2.52), and progressive passes per 90 (6.32 v 6.28), implying that Mac Allister could thrive alongside the France international as well.
That being said, signing Tchouameni this summer would be a no-brainer for Liverpool – he has previously been lauded as a “ridiculous talent” by journalist Josh Bunting – and if they could secure a deal with Real Madrid, it would provide Klopp with a full midfield reconstruction ahead of next season.
