The shockwaves from José Mourinho’s imminent return to the Santiago Bernabéu are already being felt across the English Channel. With COPE breaking the news that “The Special One” has demanded the €50 million signing of Morten Hjulmand from Sporting CP, a massive domino effect has been set into motion—one that could see a long-term target finally land at Anfield.
While initial reports focused on Eduardo Camavinga’s £50 million link to the Premier League, the arrival of a new, pure defensive anchor like Hjulmand completely changes the landscape for his international teammate, Aurélien Tchouaméni.
The Unraveling of the “Untouchable” No. 6
Until recently, the Real Madrid board viewed Tchouaméni as completely unsellable simply because he was the squad’s only natural defensive midfielder. However, a chaotic month at Valdebebas has rapidly changed his status:
- The Valverde Altercation: Following Barcelona’s back-to-back La Liga title celebrations, internal frustrations boiled over. Tensions exploded into a highly publicized physical training-ground bust-up between Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde. Though Florentino Pérez publicly tried to downplay the leak, the damage to dressing room chemistry was done.
- The Hjulmand Factor: If Mourinho gets his wish and secures Hjulmand, Tchouaméni will no longer hold a monopoly on Madrid’s defensive midfield slot.
Anfield Alert: The 4-Year Pursuit
Liverpool’s obsession with Tchouaméni is the worst-kept secret in European football. The French international openly admitted to Le Parisien that he nearly chose Merseyside over Madrid back in 2022.
With Michael Carrick’s Manchester United already designation Tchouaméni as their “dream target” to replace Casemiro, Liverpool is now prepared to hijack the conversation.
The Reds are desperate for a world-class anchor to solidify their spine. If Mourinho establishes a new hierarchy with Hjulmand at the base, the door is wide open for Liverpool to launch a blockbuster summer bid.
The Stats: Tchouaméni’s Heavy Campaign
Despite the off-field drama, Tchouaméni’s physical output this season highlights exactly why Europe’s elite are fighting for his signature.
| Metric | Aurélien Tchouaméni 2025/26 Season |
| Appearances | 49 (All Competitions) |
| Pass Completion | 92.4% |
| Aerial Duels Won | 71% |
| Current Status | Subject of Man Utd & Liverpool bids |
RMxtra Verdict: A Necessary Sacrifice?
It is highly unlikely that Real Madrid will sell both Camavinga and Tchouaméni this summer. However, if Jorge Picón’s reported 5-position summer rebuild is to be fully funded, a major sacrifice must be made.
Mourinho has historically preferred midfielders who buy entirely into his tactical siege mentality. If Tchouaméni’s relationship with the core of the locker room is fractured beyond repair after the Valverde incident, cashing in on him to fund Mourinho’s requested center-back pairing makes logical sense.
The battle lines between Manchester United and Liverpool are drawn. It is now up to Florentino Pérez to decide who writes the biggest check.
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