Latest developments
- Liverpool are interested in Aurelien Tchouameni.
- The French midfielder has yet to cement his place at Real Madrid.
- Still, the 24-year-old is expected to cost the Reds a lot.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Flaky source fuels Tchouameni to Liverpool move
We previously relayed a report stating Liverpool were keen on signing long-term target Aurelien Tchouameni to strengthen their midfield. The Reds were prepared to offer £49.7million for the Real Madrid midfielder, but that has since been established as insufficient.
Since then, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have continued stalling on signing new contracts at Anfield. So the deadlock that existed then is still as strong as ever it would seem.
Fichajes.net is the source of the ongoing story, but unfortunately for Reds fans, they don't have the best of reputations when it comes to transfer updates.
Value (3/5): Still highly-rated
Liverpool wanted to sign the Frenchman before he moved to Madrid from AS Monaco. He has failed to live up to the expectations at Santiago Bernabeu, but he is still highly rated.
Valued at £66.3 million by Transfermarkt, the player is unlikely to move to Anfield for a fee in the region of £50 million, as the report claims Los Blancos are unwilling to consider that figure.
Suitability (3.5/5): Perfect Gravenberch partner
Tchouameni has largely played as a sole defensive midfielder at Madrid, but as seen at Monaco and when on international duty with France, he is at his best when played alongside a more defensive minded midfielder, who gives him freedom to move higher up the field.
In Arne Slot's 4-3-3, he can get that environment with Ryan Gravenberch on the pitch.
Upgrade? (3/5): Stronger option than Mac Allister
With the Reds chasing the league title, another midfielder like Tchouameni could strengthen their bid. He is likely to replace Alexis Mac Allister in the middle of the park and add more physicality to the side if he makes the move to Liverpool.
Logic (2/5): Liverpool cannot have everything
As much as the idea of signing Tchouameni is appealing, Liverpool are unlikely to be able to afford his transfer fee in January and might be forced to sell Real target Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah in the winter window to fund a move for the France international. Big sacrifices!
Whisper+ verdict: 13.5/25
The reputation of the source combined with Liverpool's not so strong financial situation means the Reds fans might have to wait longer to see Tchouameni in Merseyside.
