$65 Million Tchouameni Would Lead Real Madrid’s Young French Revolution

Having completed the formulations to sign Antonio Rüdiger from Chelsea, Real Madrid wants to further bolster its Champions League-winning squad by recruiting 22-year-old French midfielder Aurelién Tchouameni in a deal almost certainly be worth €60 million ($65 million) plus.

In acquiring the midfielder, the only notable complication Los Blancos face is interest from Paris Saint-Germain, which would also represent a step up for Tchouameni should he leave Monaco, another Ligue 1 side. To most, the Spanish league champion is a more attractive choice, but PSG’s financial muscle is driving the costs higher for Real. That is, unless, Tchoaumeni’s needs take precedent over Monaco’s possible monetary gain.

Tchouameni reportedly prefers Spain, and moving to Madrid would be significant in two ways. Assuming he doesn’t succumb to injury problems or fall off the radar, which can happen to some players arriving at the club, he could become a mainstay in La Liga—and for some time.

More strikingly, however, he would be at the center of a new French Revolution in white. Previously, Zinedine Zidane ruled the midfield. Since then, Karim Benzema has been the go-to man up top. Tchaoumeni, accompanied by international teammate Eduardo Camavinga, will do the same in the middle if they combine at the club level. At right-back, fellow countryman Ferland Mendy has had a steady season too.

Despite its billionaire backing, Monaco doesn’t boast the same spending power as Europe’s elite. And it will want to cash in on any agreement, especially considering its prospect is one of the brightest to pass through its doors in the modern era. It has sold handsomely before, the most being Kylian Mbappé, for around €180 million ($193 million). On this occasion, even reinvesting half that amount might improve the overall squad, which finished 17 points behind PSG in the campaign just finished. The only problem with selling to the Parisians is they are direct rivals.

Madrid and Paris present different advantages. Real needs no persuading, with 14 Champions Leagues to its name and a roster of young players headlining the team towards the end of last season, including Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Federico Valverde. Comparatively, the Paris project is yet to make it big in Europe, although it may provide a good stepping stone. Tchouameni would perhaps be better off getting ahead in his homeland before landing in La Liga or the Premier League when he is at the peak of his powers.

Nevertheless, Real would prefer to take him soon. Now is one of the best moments to be a young player there, with the older squad members still setting the standard for up-and-coming stars ready to take their place. With fellow midfielder Luka Modric signing a one-year contract, there is no rush to start the less experienced players every game. Instead, it can bed them in gradually, with the tried and tested still performing.

Tchouameni’s greatest strength is his versatility—there is genuinely no glaring weakness to his game. He can break up play from deep, pass, stride forward, and score goals. On top of strengthening Real, missing out will be a minor blow to its competitors, some of which have supposedly shown interest in his signature too. Liverpool, for one, could do with a versatile midfielder, what with Thiago Alcântara’s constant injury risk and Naby Keïta’s inconsistency. For the Reds, his signing now seems a long shot, though.

The likely outcome is that Carlo Ancelotti will have another talent to work alongside. And, although it seems crazy to say it, Tchouameni is potentially a better buy than Mbappé. Scoring goals is no object right now and is not worth large-scale investment from Florentino Pérez and the board. Taking care of the team’s spine is perhaps a wiser move, and going by his mobility in defense and attack, the Monaco man fits that bill perfectly.

Although rival Barcelona is compiling some enviable players in central areas, and Atlético Madrid will stick around near the top, Real will fancy another league title if Tchouameni is available for selection when August comes.