From Untouchable to Probable Sale, Florentino's Tired of Him and Ancelotti Doubts His Level

The arduous and hard-fought comeback that Madrid pulled off in the game at Mestalla has left several players in the spotlight, both positively and negatively. While it's true that the most talked-about names are Jude Bellingham, for his two goal contributions, and Vinícius Jr., for his expulsion, there's a third name causing concern.

It's no secret that Aurélien Tchouaméni's performance during the 24/25 season hasn't been as expected. Especially after delivering excellent records during the 23/24 season, when he managed to prove himself to Ancelotti and establish himself as the starting pivot ahead of Eduardo Camavinga. This situation has worsened since the start of the current soccer season.

Injuries in the defensive line have led Carlo Ancelotti to place the French '14' as a makeshift central defender, alongside Rüdiger. Many within the coaching staff saw this versatility as the best opportunity for the French stopper to escape criticism regarding his performance in the midfield. This arrangement has had the opposite effect, putting him even more in the spotlight after each game of the Meringue team.

The notable and concerning decline in Aurélien Tchouaméni's performance, sustained over time, has caused the patience of the white bosses to run out. The midfielder born in Rouen was until recently untouchable, indispensable for the future sports project, something that seems to have changed in recent days. His performance at Mestalla, irregular by the required standards, would place him on the exit ramp for the 2025 summer market.

Immediate reaction plan

In the Valdebebas offices, they still wish to count on a Tchouaméni whose role in the locker room is starting to be questioned by everyone at the club. Even his great supporter, Ancelotti, can only surrender to the evidence and begin to doubt the soccer level the former AS Monaco player has recently shown. It's still early to talk about a sale, something that the Reggiolo coach doesn't consider necessary or appropriate.

However, the board led by Florentino Pérez knows that Aurélien Tchouaméni is a player with many market opportunities. The perennial interest of the Premier League in acquiring his services, increased since his transfer by Real Madrid, had been kept at bay until now. However, the change in the French midfielder's role would mean listening to offers that teams like Chelsea or Liverpool might have sent in the past.

In that sense, the white executives are willing to negotiate for Aurélien Tchouaméni. They are also aware of his true market value, so the club interested in acquiring his contract will have to pay a significant transfer fee. The departure of the French '14' would also enable the integration of two pending transfers for this year's summer market, both in the midfield and in the defense.

The search for Kroos's heir has placed  Zubimendi, a creative midfielder with a defensive profile, on the list of potential candidates for the team. Taking Eduardo Camavinga as the madridista stopper tasked with completing the double pivot alongside Zubimendi, Aurélien Tchouaméni would be left without opportunities to be in the starting eleven.