Written by James Cranford – @jamescranford89
With Liverpool fans revelling in the news that Jürgen Klopp will be staying at the club until 2026, speculation is mounting that Monaco’s Aurélien Tchouaméni could be arriving this summer to continue the refreshing of the squad.
The Reds are in competition with Real Madrid for the signature of the Frenchman, with The Times’ northern football correspondent Paul Joyce confirming LFC’s interest. Tchouaméni is a tall central midfielder known for his passing ability and is strong at the defensive side of the game. With 8 caps for France, he may find himself ushering in a new era for Les Bleus alongside the likes of Ibrahima Konaté.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight Show, we asked goal.com’s Neil Jones on the chances of seeing Tchouameni in a red shirt next season.
Neil said:
“Real Madrid are seen as favourites. I think that’s still the case – Real Madrid are strong favourites. I think it’s interesting that it’s the first real sign of a specific position Liverpool are looking at in the summer. Midfield is a very interesting part of the pitch for Liverpool. There are a lot of doubts over a lot of the midfielders – different types of doubts. There are still enough doubts that you would say a signing would make sense. A player of the style or profile of Tchouameni, but if you asked me to bet my ten pounds, I’d say it wouldn’t be him.”
Redmen Reacts
Jürgen’s contract extended, Mo to sign his contract, four trophies and a nice shiny new midfielder anyone?!
Whether or not all of those things come to pass, the midfield seems like the next area of the team that could be strengthened.
If, as Neil believes, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leaves at the end of the season, and with Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Thiago having mixed injury records, it would be worth adding someone like Tchouaméni to bolster the midfield options.
The Monaco man could slot in alongside Fabinho, leaving the third midfielder licence to roam forward. This could provide the creative freedom the likes of Curtis Jones or Harvey Elliott are looking for.
Alternatively, Tchouaméni could deputise as the number 6, leaving Jordan Henderson to play on the right of the three.
Either way, Reds fans across the world now know they will have the pleasure of seeing Jürgen bring through the next generation of stars.
