Report: Liverpool pushing to sign Real Madrid star in £87m move | OneFootball

Liverpool Prepare £87m Push for Tchouameni as Hughes Steps Up Midfield Plans

Liverpool are preparing for a major midfield overhaul this summer, with Aurélien Tchouameni emerging as a central target in Richard Hughes’ evolving recruitment strategy. Sources close to the process indicate that the Reds have aligned around an £87m valuation for the Real Madrid midfielder, signalling their willingness to compete at the highest level of the European market.

As first reported by Sky Sports, Liverpool have explored the framework of a potential bid that would match growing competition from Premier League rivals, including Tottenham Hotspur. While no formal agreement has been reached, internal discussions suggest that Tchouameni is viewed as a long-term cornerstone in Arne Slot’s rebuilding project.

With the club’s sporting leadership now firmly embedded, this pursuit represents one of the clearest indications yet of Liverpool’s ambition to reassert themselves among Europe’s elite.

Hughes Leads Strategic Shift in Recruitment Approach

Since assuming greater control of transfer operations, Richard Hughes has overseen a recalibration of Liverpool’s squad planning. Rather than focusing solely on volume recruitment, the club’s recent strategy has prioritised elite-level profiles capable of sustaining performance across multiple seasons.

Tchouameni fits that model precisely. At 25, he combines physical presence, tactical intelligence, and high-level experience in both domestic and European competition. His development at Real Madrid has reinforced his reputation as one of Europe’s most complete defensive midfielders.

Liverpool’s recruitment department views the French international as a player who can anchor midfield structures while allowing more advanced players greater freedom. Internally, there is confidence that Hughes’ detailed groundwork has positioned the club to act decisively should negotiations progress.

This approach reflects a shift towards fewer, higher-impact signings rather than broad squad turnover.

Tchouameni Profile Matches Slot’s Tactical Vision

Arne Slot’s tactical framework relies heavily on midfield control, positional discipline, and progressive distribution. Throughout the current campaign, Liverpool’s midfield unit has shown signs of fatigue, particularly during high-intensity periods.

Tchouameni’s profile aligns closely with Slot’s requirements. He offers:

At Real Madrid, he has featured prominently under both Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, demonstrating adaptability across different systems. His ability to operate as both a single pivot and in a double midfield structure provides valuable tactical flexibility.

For Liverpool’s coaching staff, this versatility is a key attraction as they look to evolve the team’s playing style without sacrificing defensive stability.

Financial Structure Behind Proposed £87m Offer

Any potential deal for Tchouameni would represent one of the most significant investments in Liverpool’s recent history. The proposed £87m figure reflects both market inflation and the player’s contractual position, with his current deal running until 2028.

Club sources suggest that Liverpool are exploring creative payment structures, including staged instalments and performance-related add-ons, to make the deal financially sustainable. This approach mirrors previous high-value acquisitions, where risk was carefully managed over multiple seasons.

Real Madrid, for their part, are under no immediate pressure to sell. However, with plans to refresh their midfield options in the coming windows, a substantial offer could prompt internal discussions.

Liverpool remain cautious about overcommitting, but there is an understanding that securing a player of Tchouameni’s calibre requires decisive financial backing.

Competition and Timeline for Potential Transfer

Competition for Tchouameni’s signature is expected to intensify as the summer window approaches. Tottenham’s interest has already been documented, while several European clubs continue to monitor his situation.

Liverpool’s advantage lies in early engagement. Hughes has maintained informal dialogue with intermediaries and player representatives, allowing the club to assess feasibility well before formal negotiations begin.

No immediate breakthrough is anticipated. Instead, the process is likely to unfold gradually, with clarity emerging closer to the end of the season. Much will depend on Real Madrid’s own recruitment plans and Liverpool’s final budget allocations.

Internally, there is optimism that groundwork laid over the past year could prove decisive if the opportunity arises. For Slot and Hughes, landing Tchouameni would represent a statement of intent and a cornerstone for the next phase of Liverpool’s evolution.