Real Madrid dressing room turns on Valverde as Florentino puts him on the market | OneFootball

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Real Madrid have moved to put Federico Valverde on the market after his bust-up with Aurelien Tchouameni, with dressing-room support for the Uruguayan said to have evaporated.

The club disciplined both players and opened an investigation. Team-mates pointed to Valverde, a captain, as the instigator, saying he refused a handshake, blamed Tchouameni for a leak and launched two heavy challenges before a dressing-room fight left him floored and cut on the forehead after hitting a table.

Several players backed the Frenchman’s account, and some were content with the outcome. Valverde was previously involved in a fractious exchange with Luka Modric, an ill-judged statement after this latest incident was poorly received, and his partner Mina Bonino was linked to its drafting. His altercation with Álex Baena in the Bernabéu car park also lingers.

This season he publicly questioned Xabi Alonso’s use of him at right-back in Kazakhstan before facing Kairat, was benched, then refused to warm up. Executives took note, senior backing has dwindled and Florentino Pérez intends to sell unless overruled by José Mourinho, who will confirm his Bernabéu return within days.

Valverde has strong market appeal and Madrid expect a notable fee. Plans include reinforcing defence and adding at least one holding midfielder, which barring a major surprise would be Rodrigo Hernández. With Nico Paz and Endrick returning, funds are needed and leading exits include Valverde, Camavinga, Ceballos, Gonzalo and Fran García, plus Carvajal and Alaba who have no renewal offers. The right flank can be covered by Brahim, Rodrygo or Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Valverde is resting at home with a diagnosed traumatic brain injury and will be out for 10–14 days. He will not play again this season and there is nothing to suggest he will next, having made 371 Madrid appearances with 41 goals and 44 assists.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo