Liverpool could return to make a sensational comeback bid for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni this summer.
The Reds famously tried to sign Tchouameni from Monaco last year, but the Frenchman opted for a move to Spain instead. Having installed the player as their top target, Liverpool then decided not to settle for a second-best option.
Of course, that strategy proved to be a pretty disastrous miscalculation. And with Liverpool now more in need of midfield reinforcements than ever, The Mirror report that Tchouameni is once again on their radar.
It’s claimed that sources believe Jurgen Klopp is ready to ‘resurrect’ his interest in the 23-year-old. With Tchouameni reportedly failing to settle in Madrid, it’s suggested that a deal could be possible.
However, it wouldn’t come cheaply for Liverpool. Should Real be willing to let the France international go, it’s claimed that they’d at least be hoping to recoup the money they spent a year ago. As a result, it would reportedly take at least £90m to prise Tchouameni away from Santiago Bernadbeu.
Tchouameni not settling in Spain
At £90m there’s simply no way Liverpool take a second look at Tchouameni. Should he unexpectedly become available for significantly less than that though, you can see why they would return for him.
It’s become almost common knowledge how hard the Reds tried to get the then Monaco man last year. Obviously, they never moved onto another target, meaning the place in the squad slated for Tchouameni to fill is still open.
Consequently, coming back in for the Madrid man would actually make some sense. As his brief appearance against Chelsea last night demonstrated, Tchouameni isn’t currently a key player at the Bernabeu.
Whether his slightly disappointing season will be enough to sell him on after a year though would feel unlikely.
There could be slots opening up in their midfield next year, as Toni Kroos and Luka Modric’s futures hang in the balance. Still only twenty-three, there’s plenty of time for Tchouameni to make good on his potential.
On the other hand though, Madrid are seemingly still in the race to sign Jude Bellingham this summer. Perhaps cutting their losses on Tchouameni to make room for the Englishman would be something in the mind of Florentino Perez. We won’t hold our breath, but stranger things have happened.