Liverpool made notable strides in bolstering their midfield during the summer transfer window; however, finding a suitable replacement for Fabinho, who excelled as both a primary defensive midfielder and deep-lying playmaker, remained elusive.
In their bid to address this gap, the addition of Wataru Endo, a holding midfielder from Japan, was a significant move during the summer. Despite his experience, Endo hasn’t proven to be as dependable and versatile as the Brazilian stalwart.
Consequently, it becomes imperative for Liverpool to pursue a promising, young No. 6, with Aurelien Tchouameni emerging as a prominent candidate. The 23-year-old midfielder has garnered attention from Liverpool in the past, notably during the previous summer’s transfer window and the year prior, when he opted for Real Madrid over Anfield.
Presently, Tchouameni finds himself dissatisfied at Real Madrid due to frequent substitutions, particularly as Ancelotti favors starting his trusted veterans, Kroos and Modric. Valued at £73.5 million, Tchouameni has seen limited playing time, completing the full 90 minutes in only three out of his eight appearances this season.
The speculation suggests that Liverpool is prepared to make a substantial push to acquire Tchouameni during the upcoming January transfer window. This move is driven by Klopp’s desire to secure a proficient player for the No. 6 role, especially considering Thiago Alcantara’s potential departure on a free transfer next summer, as he has yet to play this season due to injury.
Looking ahead, there’s the possibility that Thiago might contemplate a loan return to Madrid after Ancelotti’s departure, particularly if the coach change alters his prospects. However, this further underscores the urgency for Liverpool to secure a long-term solution for their midfield, making Tchouameni an attractive prospect.
The evaluation of whether Liverpool should make the £73.5 million offer for Aurelien Tchouameni hinges on their strategic vision, financial considerations, and the importance they place on reinforcing their midfield to sustain competitiveness at the highest level. Ultimately, it’s a decision that could significantly impact their performance and aspirations for the upcoming seasons.
