A year ago
Aurelien Tchouameni's words on rejecting Liverpool provide insight into Manchester United's hopes.
Aurelien Tchouameni is one of Europe's most sought-after midfielders, but his position at Real Madrid is in doubt with the arrival of Jude Bellingham.
Despite the fact that Rio Ferdinand has encouraged Manchester United to sign Aurelien Tchouameni, he is unlikely to leave Real Madrid this summer.
Tchouameni, 23, rejected Liverpool's offer to join Real Madrid from Monaco a year ago, and his earlier statements indicate that he will not leave the Spanish city until he has made his mark. He is one of Europe's most dynamic midfielders, yet Real Madrid recently bought Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, sparking questions over Tchouameni's future.
Although the France international appeared in 50 games during his first season at the Bernabeu, he spent the most of his time on the bench. The youngster failed to outperform Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga.
Tchouameni's lack of playing time in Spain has fueled rumours of a summer transfer, with Ferdinand pushing his previous club to pounce. Tchouameni, according to the United veteran, would "improve us massively" in center midfield.
Tchouameni, on the other hand, is unlikely to abandon his Spanish goal. "As soon as Real Madrid arrived on the scene, I did not hesitate," he remarked in July 2022. I want to make my stamp on football, and Real Madrid is the greatest place to do so. It's the finest decision I've ever made."
That is why Real Madrid defeated Liverpool in the hunt for his signing. "When Madrid called, I didn't hesitate and I talked about it with my family," Tchouameni remarked. I wrote to my agent and asked him to "do everything possible to get me there."
Tchouameni's chances of playing in Real Madrid's midfield next season will be considerably more difficult now that Bellingham has joined the club. Valverde and Camavinga are still under contract, although Kroos agreed to a one-year extension on Wednesday.
Modric's contract ends this month, and it's uncertain if he'll sign a new one. If the 37-year-old remains at the Bernabeu, Tchouameni may be forced to search elsewhere for first-team football, which is why Ferdinand wants United to sign him.
On his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand analyzed United's current midfield possibilities. "You've got Bruno [Fernandes], you've got [Christian] Eriksen who can play in the 8, Fred and [Scott] McTominay are the two back-ups," the ex-defender remarked.
"If we can get a more dynamic No.8 who can get us goals and assists to complement what Bruno is doing, that would be fantastic." Also, to seize the ball and control the game.
"Eriksen does a fantastic job dictating." He's been terrific, I think. Calm, calm under pressure, takes the sting out of games. But if you want to advance, you'll need someone greater than him.
"That's going to be a big area for the team; it would vastly improve us." You know who I'd go after in midfield? I'd go attempt to find Tchouameni. He's the one who doesn't play; he's the odd man out right now. Significant progress."
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