Aurelien Tchouameni already explained Liverpool transfer snub amid talk of new $52m bid
Aurelien Tchouameni is the name that never goes away for long in the Liverpool transfer gossip columns. And this week, the Frenchman was being linked with a move once again.
It was reported by Fichajes that Liverpool has tabled an offer worth a total of $52m (£41m/€50m) for the Real Madrid ace. Tchouameni has previously been admired by Liverpool but it is unlikely that he would be available for anything like that kind of price — half what Real Madrid paid for him — and he has always preferred to play in Spain.
Jurgen Klopp was keen on the France international back in 2022 as he looked to strengthen his midfield after losing the Champions League final to Real Madrid. But the La Liga giants would get the better of Liverpool again weeks later by completing a $108m (£85m/€100m) deal.
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news amid Alexander Isak hint as Reds set for Milos Kerkez boost
READ MORE: Striker who scored 49 goals for Arne Slot 'absolutely' wants reunion after rejecting Liverpool rival
Steven Gerrard breaks silence on fired speculation as Al-Ettifaq pressure grows
Roberto Firmino sent brutal message as Liverpool legend's Saudi nightmare continues
Tchouameni later revealed that he did hold talks with the Reds but decided his future lay at the Bernabeu. He told Le Parisien: "The first to come forward was Liverpool, we had discussions. Then Real arrived and it my head everything was clear.
“It’s the biggest club in the world. If you want to accomplish great things, to mark the history of your sport, there is no better. So I didn’t hesitate for a second. I told my agent: as long as there is interest, we do everything to go there."
Transfer speculation resurfaced in 2023 when Klopp let Fabinho and Jordan Henderson depart, and set about rejuvenating his midfield. The Athletic reported that Liverpool retained an interest in Tchouameni but Real had no desire to sell, with the player also eager to stay put.
Liverpool ultimately moved for Wataru Endo as a more realistic alternative, while Ryan Gravenberch has made the No.6 role his own this season. An opportunity to reignite an interest in Tchouameni though could appeal to Liverpool as they look to strengthen the midfield further, with Endo having fallen down the pecking order.
Liverpool.com says: Tchouameni seems to regularly be linked with a move away from Real Madrid. Even after turning down Liverpool two years ago, he has been consistently linked with a move to Anfield ever since.
If he really does become available, he's certainly someone the Reds should at least be looking at. Whether their interest might have changed with Klopp having left now remains to be seen, but if the opportunity's there, it would be hard to pass up the chance to sign Tchouameni.
An original version of this article was first published on 23 May 2024. It has since been updated.