As the summer transfer window approaches, it already looks as if there will be more outgoings than incomings on the red half of Merseyside. Jurgen Klopp faces a potential midfield exodus with the futures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino all currently unclear, and will want to secure quality replacements should they depart.
The Red’s had reportedly identified French defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as their number one target ahead of next season, but may have already lost the race to secure his services.
According to RMC Sport, Tchouameni had agreed personal terms with both Liverpool and Real Madrid, but has now set his sights on a move to the Bernabeu and will join up with Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
With Los Blancos missing out on Kylian Mbappe, who signed a new three-year deal with PSG last week, it seems they have wasted no time in shopping elsewhere.
AS Monaco were hesitant to allow their midfield wonderkid to move on, with club sporting director and former Wigan Athletic man Paul Mitchell telling RMC –
“Offers have to be very aggressive if they want us to sell a top player like Tchouameni.”
The 22-year-old has stood out this term for the Monegasques and has attracted an abundance of would be suitors from across Europe. Tchouameni has just completed his second full season with Monaco, helping the team to a 3rd place finish in Ligue 1 and the Europa League round of 16.
Liverpool have been out of their transition period under Jurgen Klopp for several years now, but with the first heroes of the German’s era beginning to approach the latter stages of their careers, a rebuild may soon be on the cards. This is why recruiting players of the age and stature of Aurelien Tchouameni are essential to the longevity of the current on-field success at Anfield.
French football expert Jonathan Johnson echoed this as he broke down how the Les Blues international would have fit into Liverpool’s plans to the Echo –
“I think Liverpool will have noted that he possesses a rare all-round profile. He is well on his way to becoming a complete player and while former Monaco man Fabinho still has a good three to five years ahead of him due to his age, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara being the other side of 30 means that there needs to be an element of succession planning at Anfield.
Tchouameni would have no problem fitting into the current style which appears to be here to stay given that Klopp has just extended his contract.”
It seems Liverpool may have to assess other options should they wish to fine tune their midfield engine room and attempt to dethrone Manchester City next season.
The Reds certainly don’t have all their eggs in one basket however, and have already announced the acquisition of Fulham man Fabio Carvalho.
Liverpool face Real Madrid this Saturday in the UEFA Champions League final.