Why Aurélien Tchouaméni rejected Liverpool for Real Madrid as transfer speculation re-emerges

The transfer window is soon to be open and speculation is already rife about where Liverpool could strengthen this summer. Arne Slot has been confirmed as the Reds' new head coach and he will officially start work on June 1.

His job title means he will not have complete control over transfer dealings but will instead likely work with incoming sporting director Richard Hughes to identify possible new recruits.

One name that is once again doing the rounds on social media is Aurélien Tchouaméni, who has been linked with a move to Anfield in each of the last two summers.

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Jürgen 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.

Tchouaméni 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 last summer though when Klopp let Fabinho and Jordan Henderson depart, and set about rejuvenating his midfield. The Athletic reported that Liverpool retained an interest in Tchouaméni but Real had no desire to sell, with the player also eager to stay put.

Liverpool ultimately moved for Wataru Endō as a more realistic alternative, and Tchouameni has enjoyed a fine campaign, helping Real win La Liga. He has been deployed in both his favored holding midfield role, and in central defense by Carlo Ancelotti, but remains a key figure — despite dubious claims he could be sold on social media.

He started both legs of the Champions League semi-final victory over Bayern Munich and will likely get the nod in Saturday's final against Borussia Dortmund. Right now, it appears the chances of Ancelotti and Real letting him go are very slim.

Liverpool.com says: Tchouaméni has developed into one of the best holding midfielders in world football and you cannot imagine Real would let him go, unless it receives a record offer. Liverpool does not have that kind of money to spend and will have other priorities this summer. He is a dream signing for most Reds fans but that isn't going to become reality.