There is a lot of optimism surrounding the possibility of Real Madrid signing Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, and the chances of signing him would only increase if Los Blancos miss out on Erling Haaland to Manchester City.
Haaland’s situation remains unclear despite City seemingly holding an advantage. But when it comes to Tchouameni, it appears to be a two-team race between PSG and Madrid, with Chelsea lurking but in an uncertain situation due to potential sanctions.
Tchouameni would not be cheap, but at around 60 million euros, he is a worthy investment from Madrid’s perspective. In Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde, Los Blancos have already secured two-thirds of their future midfield. Antonio Blanco can be a key depth player. And Jude Bellingham is a target for 2023 as one of the most sensational young players on the planet.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric will eventually make way for the next generation, but their current spots in the squad are settled. The questions related to Tchouameni’s arrival then focus on Casemiro, who is younger than the other midfielders but less respected by Madridistas.
Aurelien Tchouameni would get a chance to start for Real Madrid in 2022/23
Some people are too harsh on Casemiro. He makes mistakes on the ball, yes, but what he does defensively is unmatchable in football. Purely defensively speaking, Casemiro is the best defensive midfielder there is.
The thing is, Tchouameni, even at 22, is not far behind already. He averages a whopping 2.6 tackles per game and 2.6 interceptions per game in Ligue 1. Tchouameni’s attacking contributions are significantly better than Casemiro’s, both in terms of ball retention and ball-carrying, viewing his 87.1 percent pass completion rate, 1.7 fouls drawn per game, and 1.2 dribbles completed per game in league play.
If Tchouameni signs, he will not immediately start as the No. 6. Camavinga and Valverde are not immediate starters either. But Tchouameni is a few years older than Camavinga. He will also have cost Real Madrid double in his transfer fee. So you’d have to imagine that Real are signing him to make an immediate impact.
There is the matter of what is owed, too. Beyond money. Tchouameni has other high-profile suitors. Real Madrid will have to make certain concessions in terms of his role and playing time in order to secure him. Nothing is promised or guaranteed in Madrid, but Tchouameni will have to be given assurances that his development as a starter will be fast-tracked. He is already a great midfielder and starting-caliber, just look at his dominance in Ligue 1 and even his displays with France.
Tchouameni is ready to start. He may already be better than Casemiro. If Real Madrid sign him this summer, there will be an open competition for the defensive midfield spot. Casemiro will get the edge on seniority and reputation, but Tchouameni will be given every chance to replace him. If that happens, Case’s future in Madrid becomes unclear. He could become a rotational backup, but if he wants more, he could be sold to one of many teams in Europe that would be very fortunate to have a player of his quality.
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Real Madrid don’t want to get rid of Casemrio. I doubt that. But they want to secure the future. If that means selling Casemiro because Tchouameni is the guy and Case does not want to be a backup, then they may do it. I don’t think any Madridista wants to lose Casemiro, but that is a potential reality to prepare for. Until then, Los Blancos have to sign Tchouameni first before any of this conjecture can truly begin.