Real Madrid fans were under the impression that Jose Mourinho wanted a new defensive midfielder to upgrade on Aurelien Tchouameni, with many pointing to Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea as a mutual fit with Mourinho and Enzo both dreaming of a move.
Instead, Real Madrid made a statement disavowing their interest in Fernandez after the trail had gone cold, while Tchouameni seemed more likely to stay with the reported asking price from Real Madrid increasing steadily as Manchester United and even Xabi Alonso's Chelsea began to register interest.
Now, Tchouameni is staying at Real Madrid, with Fabrizio Romano confirming RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins's report of a new contract extension between player and club that will take Tchou through the 2030/31 season. Here are the biggest winners and losers from the contract and the decision to keep Tchouameni in Madrid.
Winner: Aurelien Tchouameni
The most obvious winner to discuss quickly is Aurelien Tchouameni. Despite having a really poor season and showing no growth from year to year at Madrid, he is getting rewarded with a new contract and presumably a raise. His future at the biggest club in the world is secure, and now he can relax after the transfer rumors are over; Manchester United would have been a massive downgrade.
Loser: Enzo Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez has been dreaming of Real Madrid for months and making public overtures to the biggest club in the world, and it seemed like the interest was mutual with Jose Mourinho reportedly wanting him over other targets. But now, Real Madrid have balked at the asking price, and Enzo will have to stay with a dysfunctional Chelsea side that can't even make it to Europe or figure out who their next manager is going to be. And just ask Jude Bellingham what Xabi does for elite players, because it's not good.
Winner: Kylian Mbappe
Aurelien Tchouameni and Kylian Mbappe are close friends at Real Madrid and France. Mbappe's right hand man is the defensive midfielder, and he will love that Mbappe is staying. It would not be surprising either if GMbappe played a role in keeping his countryman at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Loser: Eduardo Camavinga
Sadly, another French player, Eduardo Camavinga, is now more likely to leave Real Madrid. Between Tchouameni and Camavinga, Real Madrid are likely to sell one star player to make funds to make up for all the defensive signings. Mourinho seems to be more open to keeping Cama now and probably will need to if they are to keep their depth, with Bernardo Silva instead replacing Dani Ceballos, but Cama's path is less certain with Tchouameni for sure sticking around. The transfer window is yet long.
Winner: France national team
The French national team loves it when top French players are at Real Madrid, and Zinedine Zidane, the incoming French national team manager after this World Cup, will be excited, too. It is great for the stature of Les Bleus and for team chemistry to keep Mbappe, Konate, and Tchou together, especially if Mbappe is able to successfully recruit Michael Olise to Madrid.
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