Klopp’s Midfield Conundrum
Repetitive player pursuits can be one of the more irritating things when supporting this era of Liverpool FC. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe have been the most prominent names in the recent past, in addition to the continual past links to André, Moisés Caicedo, Joško Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes, João Palhinha, as well as the target of this piece, Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Something like this as an out of possession to in possession shift.
I'd prefer it with Kamara as the 6, or Tchouameni as the 6, or, in a perfect world if I could just have what I want, Camavinga as the 6, but this would be a hell of a team.
And it's very doable too. pic.twitter.com/JSriF81X9D
— Nostalgia Merchant (@HendrickD82) January 5, 2024
Ever since the former Monaco midfielder was primed to leave France, Liverpool became the most frequently club linked to his signing. If rumours are to be believed, an initial medical had even been carried out, to establish any potential issues ahead of time. As the days ticked by in the summer of 2022, it became clear that the 6ft 2inch destroyer was waiting on the Bernabéu giants to make their move.
After a long and fruitless pursuit of Kylian Mbappe came to an end (in that summer), the legendary Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, finally sanctioned a move for the then 22-year-old powerhouse. As a result of missing out on the elite potential player, Jürgen Klopp saw his middle ground crumble, as tired and overplayed legs left the 2022/23 season in tatters. The Sporting Director in that moment, Julian Ward, had banked on the acquisition of Tchouaméni, essentially given no alternative was targeted. The regeneration was created in part by the failure to secure the services of this man, however, one more summer chase could reverse that mistake.
Real Madrid’s Roster Overhaul
Would Jürgen Klopp Return for the Player That Rejected Him…?
It has been widely reported that after the failed pursuit of Jude Bellingham in the summer of 2023, the eventual Real Madrid signing would enable a second move for Aurélien Tchouaméni. After signing the former a Borussia Dortmund star last summer, the consensus was that the 14-time European Champions would be overloaded in midfield and must move on one of their assets. This ongoing 2023/24 campaign has seen England’s 20-year-old superstar explode in La Liga, with a tremendous season making him a front runner for the next Ballon d’Or. Within that midfield group is a plethora of brilliance, as the 34-year-old Toni Kroos and 38-year-old Luka Modric, continue to impress amongst a wealth of energetic talent. The brilliance and intensity of Federico Valverde is irreplaceable, with his tenacity offering the perfect blend of power and finesse.
The destructive and shielding duties rest with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, who have both proved brilliant since moving to Spain. The latter of those two young French prodigies has offered vital versatility, with an ability to play left back and varying midfield roles. If Real Madrid were to re-sign their two legendary veterans, Kroos and Modric, to extended deals (both see their current deals expire in the summer), it may well be that one of the less gifted players is moved on, as is often the way with Real. The Spanish club is often drawn to the next potential Galactico, therefore, a move for either Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland remains very feasible for the coming summer. A replacement for the departed Karim Benzema has yet to be found, with their club President, Florentino Pérez, always on the lookout for the next marquee signing. In that instance, funds may need to be generated to finance either blockbuster move.
Liverpool have already lost the race for Tchouameni (2022) and Bellingham (2023) to Real Madrid. Now it seems the same will happen with Mbappe in 2024 😳❌
Or just maybe Mbappe will finally reject Real Madrid and sign for Liverpool🤔👑 pic.twitter.com/AhAlXNmFUK
— 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 (@natioonn) January 11, 2024
As to whether Jürgen Klopp would sanction a return move for the 23-year
