Having moved on from Casemiro, Luke Modric and Toni Kroos – arguably Real Madrid’s greatest ever midfield trident – the club is now ready to take over for the next decade or so Aurelian Joamani, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga.
According to the ever-reliable Fabrizio RomanoReal Madrid have secured Tchouameni’s signature for around 80 million euros, plus additional clauses that could be announced on Wednesday for a total of nearly 100 million euros.
Record transfer fee: 13 years ago today, when Real Madrid went all-in to sign Cristiano Ronaldo
Here are 5 unknown facts you probably didn’t know about Real Madrid’s latest signing:
5. Aurelien Tchouameni rejects PSG and Liverpool offers for Real Madrid
The 22-year-old is clear to his agent and to Monaco: If he’s going to be sold, it has to be Real Madrid.
Despite Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool’s bold efforts for the promising midfielder, Joumeni has not faltered (unlike some) on his desired landing spot. “Tchouaméni only wants Real Madrid,” Romano reports.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp recently met with Joe Ameni to discuss a transfer. He was quickly turned away. Paris Saint-Germain are willing to offer more for the France international to have Mbappe in the meeting, but Joamene still knows he wants Real Madrid and only Real Madrid. The newcomer is already oozing Madridsta.
4. Taekwondo Yellow Belt
Although he looks like a shy kid on the field, off the field he is quite “dangerous”. He has a yellow belt in judo-style martial arts, which he acquired as a child.
3. He admires Ngolo Kante and Paul Pogba
The fact that Aurelien Tchouameni plays like Kante and Pogba is no coincidence, as he confirmed to GFFN that he admires both and tries to follow their example.
The youngster has also taken time to observe a number of other midfielders – he lists Patrick Vieira, Sergio Busquets and Clarence Seedorf as other sources of inspiration – but Pogba has and Kanter took up most of his time.
“sometimesThey laughed and called me “Pogba” or “La Pioche” (Pogba’s nickname),‘ Joe Ameni told Our Global. “They called me ‘TchouaNgolo’ after a game where I won a lot of balls.”
2. Cesc Fabregas is a big fan
In Monaco, Cesc Fabregas has taken a front-row seat in the development of Aurelien Tchouameni, and it’s safe to say that the Spaniard is a big fan of what he sees and hears.
“I think he can play anywhere in midfield and has no problem,” Cesc Fabregas told Ligue1.com. “He can play as a defensive midfielder, as a No. 6, as a No. 8.
“In a few years, I even believe he can be a good No. 10 because of his ability to get into the box.”
1. He started his career as a striker
Aurelien Tchouameni started his footballing journey as a striker, but despite scoring goals at the age of six or seven, it was soon decided to return him to midfield.
An uncanny ability to regain possession, combined with his large physique, led youth coaches to think that Aurelian Joamani’s talent was wasted at that end of the pitch, and instead repositioned him in possession first CDM, and then positioned as CM.
Chuameni himself admits it was a transition period at first, but it’s safe to say he’s figured it out now.
Ballon D’Or June 2022 Top 5 Power Rankings
‘If your daughter brings Bukayo Saka home, you’ll be very happy’ – Gareth Southgate hails Arsenal teenager ahead of 22/23 season