Liverpool ready to launch new era with €80m Real Madrid deal

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Liverpool are ready to target Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni during the January transfer window to strengthen Andoni Iraola’s midfield options.

Investment in the middle of the park had been expected at Anfield this summer, but while the Reds made five new additions, there was not one midfielder added to their ranks. This was, however, seen as an area of weakness last season.

Tchouameni has now emerged as a potential target for new sporting director Julian Ward, with the France international ‘very much on the radar’ of Liverpool.

Liverpool ready to revive Tchouameni interest

Liverpool first held an interest in Tchouameni when he was at Monaco in 2022. This coincided with Ward’s first spell as sporting director, though he would ultimately fail to sign the powerful midfielder, who instead moved to Real Madrid in a deal worth €80 million. Football Insider claims that Ward is ready to drive another deal for the 26-year-old.

However, the move is said to be ‘very difficult to do in the near future’ because Tchouameni has recently signed a new contract with Los Blancos, despite being regularly linked with a move away from the club.

Tchouameni’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €51.1 million, with Liverpool likely to be at least asked to match Real Madrid’s €80m purchase price to stand any chance of a deal.

His early season form has been impressive under new manager Jose Mourinho, who is a fan of the Frenchman.

Tchouameni is not involved in Zinedine Zidane’s first France squad, which is a decision that has been driven by a muscular issue the midfielder was carrying in pre-season and is not a judgement on his current form.

“I had no influence on the decision,” Mourinho said. “I didn't call Zidane and Zidane didn't call me. It took me by surprise. But they discussed and agreed that the best thing for him was to use this break to do the pre-season he couldn't do.

“The national team manager let him know that he was counting on him for the future and they agreed on this decision which, for us, is a privilege.”

Tchouameni is a strong tactical fit for Iraola

Liverpool are a strong fit for Tchouameni, according to data analytics firm SciSports, which gives players a Club Fit score based on a wide variety of metrics.

While Real Madrid is seen as the Frenchman’s most suitable club, if he were to leave, Liverpool are clearly a strong second choice as they receive a Club Fit score of 82. Iraola’s playing style is seen as particularly suited to Tchouameni, who would have to adjust to life in a new formation in order to absolutely maximise his potential at Anfield.

It’s still clearly early days as the possibility of this move develops, but should the stars align, bringing Tchouameni to Liverpool has all the hallmarks of a successful deal for the Reds.