Latest developments
- Liverpool to put in €60 million initial bid for the Aurelien Tchouameni.
- But Real Madrid are set to reject that first offer.
- Source claims Arne Slot believes player “would fit well into the Premier League”.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Source suggesting a price well below Frenchman's value
Spanish website fichajes.net have claimed that Liverpool want to add Tchouameni to their wealth of midfield options on Merseyside, lining up a €60-million initial bid. However, the same site believes Real Madrid are unwilling to accept such a price for the 24-year-old.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and others can operate as part of the midfield three in Arne Slot's side, but out-of-favour Wataru Endo is the only recognised senior defensive midfielder. The website did not name their source, but Tchouameni certainly is the type of player Liverpool is lacking, and he was even a top target for former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp three years ago.
Value (3/5): Real will want an improved offer
With Transfermarkt valuing the former Monaco man at €100 million, it would come as little surprise that Real are set to reject a €60 million sum for a player who has been a consistent starter under Carlo Ancelotti this season.
Real Madrid‘s injury problems mean they will be unwilling to let any players leave for below their asking price, so Liverpool will likely need to revise that transfer fee.
Suitability (4/5): More defensive midfield engine a good fit
The high-energy style that Liverpool have continued over the transition between Klopp and Slot would suit the tireless Tchouameni, while his combative nature and physicality would find a natural home in the Premier League.
However, with plenty of options already available to Slot in the middle of the park, do Liverpool really need to splash out heavily on another central option?
Upgrade? (4.5/5): A clear improvement on current options
Sources have suggested that Liverpool will not let any first-team players leave in January, which would see Endo remain the only defensive midfielder at the club. Tchouameni would overtake the Japanese in the pecking order.
The current starting three of Szobozslai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch is fairly light when it comes to defensive football, yet it is a settled three which Slot may not have ambitions of improving currently.
Logic (2/5): Tchouameni still has a place at the Bernabeu
Liverpool and the Premier League would certainly provide an exciting challenge for Tchouameni, but even if the Reds have a deal accepted, would the player be interested in an Anfield move anytime soon?
One of the first names on the team sheet at the current best club side in the world, one could not blame Tchouameni for wanting to stay in Madrid until the end of his current deal in summer 2028, when he will still only be 28 years old.
Whisper+ final verdict – 16/25
One of the best holding players in world football, Liverpool may be required to break their record transfer fee paid, €85 million for , to bring Tchouameni to Anfield.
While he is a type of player that can bring a fresh dimension to Slot's team, there is reason to believe that Liverpool would be better served sticking to their current style and strengthening other areas of the pitch instead.
