Real Madrid open to selling star midfielder after just two seasons

Real Madrid is open to selling midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni to help fund an ambitious move for the newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner, Manchester City midfielder Rodri, Goal.com reported Thursday.  

Despite being a regular starter since his arrival, Tchouameni hasn't convinced the club he's worth retaining, so the team is looking to sell the 24-year-old Frenchman to free financial space.

Tchouameni arrived at Real Madrid from AS Monaco in the summer of 2022 for a package that could reach up to $107 million. 

The report suggested Real Madrid could surprisingly turn its attention toward recruiting Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Tchouameni was tasked with replacing the retiring Toni Kroos, but the Frenchman has fallen shy of the team's expectations — and that's where Rodri could come into play. 

The Spaniard has a similar tempo-controlling style of play that Real Madrid seems to lack this season. The Manchester City midfielder recorded a staggering 121.1 average touches per game with a 92 percent passing accuracy during the 2023-24 Premier League season, comparable numbers to Kroos. 

Rodri is also a master when it comes to breaking up the opposition attack on the counterattack, as well as when the opposition applies constant pressure, something manager Carlo Ancelotti's side has struggled with this season.  

Where Tchouameni would end up if he's sold remains unknown. Liverpool showed strong interest in the midfielder in 2022 before he signed with Real Madrid, so perhaps the Premier League side would reignite its interest in the Frenchman.  

Rodri has a current transfer value of roughly $140 million. For Real Madrid to afford that fee, it would probably aim to get back almost all of the $107 million it paid for Tchouameni. For the Frenchman to keep his place on the team, he must play better.

Real Madrid's match against Valencia in La Liga this weekend has been postponed. It next match isn't until Tuesday at home against AC Milan in the Champions League, a match that will be a mighty test for Ancelotti's struggling side.