Real Madrid News
Just in: PSG contact Real Madrid midfielder over blockbuster summer transfer
Paris Saint-Germain have taken the first steps towards what could become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer after making contact regarding Federico Valverde.
According to fresh reports emerging from AS, the French champions have already approached the representatives of the Real Madrid midfielder to explore whether a future move could eventually become possible.
At this stage, the contact is understood to have been informal rather than a full negotiation.
However, the message from PSG appears to have been very clear that if circumstances change at Real Madrid, they are ready to position themselves immediately.
A renewed admiration
It must be remembered that the Uruguayan midfielder has been admired by PSG for years.
Previous attempts to explore the situation never advanced because a transfer was viewed internally as completely unrealistic. Now, though, the situation appears slightly different.
Recent developments within the Real Madrid dressing room, particularly the tensions involving Aurelien Tchouameni, have encouraged PSG to revisit the possibility of making a move for one of Madrid’s most important players.
Even so, those close to the situation insist that Valverde’s priority is still to continue his career at the Santiago Bernabeu and remain a central figure in Madrid’s long-term project.
PSG looking for an opening
Still, PSG believed this was the right moment to test the waters and remind the player’s camp that a major opportunity would exist in Ligue 1 should the situation at Real Madrid ever shift unexpectedly.
Although financial discussions have not yet taken place, the operation is already being viewed internally as one that would require a huge investment.
Reports in Spain suggest Valverde’s valuation currently sits between €100 million and €120 million.
And for now, no formal negotiations exist between the clubs, and Real Madrid have shown no indication that they want to part ways with the Uruguayan international.
After a month into the new season, Aurelien Tchouameni is finally back in action for Real Madrid.
The Frenchman made his first appearance of the season for the Merengues last night against Inter Milan after recovering from the muscular injury that delayed his campaign.
His return to fitness had raised questions over where he would fit into Mourinho’s plans.
Tchouameni has been a regular in Real Madrid’s midfield for several seasons under different managers, but the end of last season was far less straightforward.
His confrontation with Federico Valverde, combined with speculation over his future at the club, created uncertainty about his position. His lack of a proper pre-season also appeared to put him behind other midfield options.
Bernardo Silva had established himself as an important figure, while Eduardo Camavinga was also ahead of Tchouameni in terms of match fitness.
With Real Madrid looking for greater creativity in midfield, there were questions over whether the Frenchman would still be a first-choice player.
Key for Mourinho
According to AS (h/t Bernabeu Digital), however, Mourinho has no such doubts. Tchouameni remains a key player for the Portuguese coach and is expected to be a starter.
Mourinho sees the French international as a midfielder without a direct replacement in the squad.
For Jose, Tchouameni provides something that none of the other midfielders in the squad do – a more defensive and positional presence, combining his tactical discipline with considerable physical strength.
His ability to shield the defence and provide balance could be particularly important for a Real Madrid side that want to defend aggressively and attack quickly in transition.
For that reason, his absence at the start of the campaign has not changed the manager’s view of his importance.
Mourinho faces a midfield selection problem
The challenge for Mourinho now is finding a way to fit all the pieces together.
If Tchouameni is guaranteed a starting position and Valverde is considered untouchable as captain, the obvious consequence is that Bernardo could find himself starting from the bench.
The summer arrival had been given an important role in helping Real Madrid control and distribute possession from deeper positions.
However, with Tchouameni and Valverde both occupying midfield places, Mourinho cannot accommodate everyone in the same lineup.
How the Portuguese coach manages that competition will be interesting to see in the coming weeks.
