Liverpool are still potentially looking for the right signing that could take their midfield to the next level.
The Reds have bolstered the position heavily over the past 18 months, but still feel to be a touch light regardless.
Liverpool tried to sign Martin Zubimendi over the summer in an attempt to find the missing piece of the jigsaw.
But by rejecting a move to Anfield, Zubimendi became the latest in a string of midfielders to do the same.
Aurelien Tchouameni looked like he might be the right man back in 2022. However, the French midfielder chose to join Real Madrid instead.
With the Reds still yet to plug the hole that Tchouameni would have filled, rumours have started to swirl once again that Liverpool could come back in for the 24-year-old.
Liverpool could return for Aurelien Tchouameni
Liverpool certainly wanted Tchouameni two-and-a-bit years ago. Jurgen Klopp felt the France international could be the perfect tonic for his ageing midfield.
Since turning the Reds down, though, Tchouameni has gone on to star for both Real Madrid and his national team.
Nevertheless, reports in Spain this week have suggested that Real could now be open to selling their No.14
And speaking to The Redmen TV, journalist Paul Gorst has weighed in on whether Liverpool could get involved for Tchouameni for a second time.
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“I wouldn’t totally write it off. When Liverpool like a player they like a player,” says Gorst.
“They’ve identified the player, a player who’s gone on to win Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, gone on to captain France. He’s a top player and interest in top players don’t just dissipate.
“If he’s available I don’t think Liverpool would totally dismiss it out of hand,” adds the reporter. “I can’t see that interest going away.”
Is Aurelien Tchouameni still what Liverpool need?
Obviously, there has been a lot of changes at Liverpool since they pushed to sign Tchouameni in 2022.
Not only has Arne Slot come in to replace Jurgen Klopp, but a whole lot of the recruitment structure at the club has also been revamped.
As Gorst says, Tchouameni is obviously a top player, but is he still what Liverpool are looking for?
He and Zubimendi play similar roles for their teams, that much is true. But the pair feel like very different types of midfielder.
Zubimendi is a slightly silkier, ball-loving player. Meanwhile, Tchouameni is a little closer to the ‘destroyer’ mould of Fabinho, if not totally the same. It’ll be interesting to see if these links grow any stronger as we build up to January.
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