Jose Mourinho is on the verge of returning to the Santiago Bernabéu as Real Madrid’s new head coach, with all major outlets confirming the appointment is imminent. The Portuguese manager’s arrival is expected to trigger significant squad restructuring this summer, and his very first major decision could hand Liverpool a golden opportunity in the transfer market.
According to reports, Mourinho has already identified Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand as his preferred new defensive midfielder. A move for the Portuguese international would likely accelerate plans to reshape the midfield, potentially opening the door for the departure of a high-profile player currently at the club.
That player is Aurélien Tchouaméni. The 26-year-old French international, valued in the region of €100 million, has long been admired by Liverpool. The Reds were serious contenders for his signature back in 2022 before he chose Real Madrid, with Tchouaméni himself later acknowledging how close he came to joining Anfield in an interview with Le Parisien.
Tchouaméni’s turbulent season opens the exit route
This season has been far from straightforward for Tchouaméni despite 49 appearances in all competitions. Barcelona’s back-to-back La Liga triumphs have increased pressure and internal tensions at Real Madrid. In early May, the midfielder was involved in a physical altercation with teammate Federico Valverde during a training session. While club president Florentino Pérez played down the incident, it was widely leaked and highlighted growing friction within the squad.
These developments have not gone unnoticed by suitors. Manchester United have identified Tchouaméni as a “dream target” to replace Casemiro and are reportedly preparing a substantial summer bid. However, Real Madrid have traditionally viewed the France international as untouchable, considering him the squad’s only natural defensive midfielder.
With Mourinho’s arrival and his apparent desire to bring in Hjulmand, that stance may soften. The door is now open for Tchouaméni to depart, and Liverpool are well-positioned to pounce.
Liverpool’s long-standing interest and midfield needs
Liverpool have maintained admiration for both Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga over recent years. While a move for Camavinga appears more complex, the situation with Tchouaméni aligns perfectly with the Reds’ requirements. Arne Slot’s side are in the market for a commanding defensive midfielder to add steel and control to the engine room as they look to challenge on all fronts next season.
Tchouaméni’s profile fits the bill: physically dominant, tactically disciplined, and proven at the highest level. His importance to the French national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup this summer further underlines his quality, where he is expected to anchor the midfield.
A transfer coup in the making?
Should Mourinho greenlight Tchouaméni’s exit to fund and facilitate the arrival of Hjulmand, Liverpool would effectively steal a march on Manchester United. What was once viewed as a near-impossible deal could become a transformative signing for the Anfield club.
Mourinho is known for making decisive, sometimes ruthless, calls early in his tenures. Reshaping Real Madrid’s midfield in his image while allowing a €100m-rated talent to join a Premier League rival would send a clear message about his intentions for the new era.
Watch this space closely. The summer transfer window is about to ignite, and Liverpool may be the surprise beneficiaries of Mourinho’s first major act at Real Madrid.