Latest news with #AurelienTchouameni
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Xabi Alonso a big admirer of €75 million-rated Real Madrid midfield general's tactical intelligence
The FIFA Club World Cup marked the beginning of a new era at Real Madrid, as Xabi Alonso took over the reins as manager from Carlo Ancelotti. The tournament, which saw the Merengues crash out at the semi-final stages against PSG, left many questions, such as the future of Rodrygo and Dani Ceballos, or how Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe will fit together in Alonso's system. But it also offered some clear answers, like new signing Dean Huijsen is going to play a critical role in the team. Aurelien Tchouameni set for a key part in Alonso's plans Another important learning for Real Madrid from the Club World Cup was that Aurélien Tchouameni would play a key role in Xabi Alonso's system, whether the team lines up with a back four or three central defenders. As reported by MARCA, Alonso admires the Frenchman greatly and highly values the player's tactical intelligence – beyond just his technical skills or physical strength. Throughout the tournament, Tchouameni featured in both roles – as a deep-lying midfielder in a 4-3-3 and as a ball-playing sweeper flanked by Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger in a three-man defensive line. Xabi Alonso's extension on the pitch. (Photo by) The former AS Monaco was often seen becoming an extension of Alonso on the pitch. On several occasions, the new Real Madrid boss was seen addressing him directly to adjust tactical details mid-match. Bouncing back strongly Under Carlo Ancelotti, despite some scepticism, Tchouameni was also used in both roles -primarily as a pivot, but also as a centre-back, where he faced the most criticism. The Frenchman came under intense scrutiny and criticism in the early parts of the last season, following a string of disappointing displays – so much so that fans had turned to booing and whistling him. However, Tchouameni managed to turn things around over time and by the end of the season, he was one of Ancelotti's most consistent performers. That trend continued under Alonso at the Club World Cup. The midfielder has previously gone on record about how he does not enjoy playing at centre-back. However, during the recent tournament, he made it clear that he is fully on board with Alonso's vision. *Player valuation in title obtained from on date of publication.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Man Utd transfer news LIVE: Red Devils ‘bid' for Tchouameni, Sancho's ‘positive' Juventus talks, Mbeumo updates
MANCHESTER UNITED are in for a crucial summer of transfers at Old Trafford! Real Madrid have reportedly turned down a £78million bid from Man Utd for Champions League winner Aurelien Tchouameni. Elsewhere, Jadon Sancho is reportedly edging closer to a permanent move to Juventus, according to journalist Nicola Schira. And we have the very latest on United's pursuit of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo. 9th Jul 2025, 18:38 By Kealan Hughes Lord Coe to lead stadium plans Lord Seb Coe is to spearhead Manchester United's plans for a new stadium – with officials aiming to host the women's World Cup final at the 100,000-capacity venue in 2035. Mail Sport understands that the appointment of the London 2012 supremo is a huge boost, with the club at loggerheads with a nearby business over a piece of land vital to the vast project that would see the Premier League giants leave Old Trafford. United still hope to be in their new home in time for the 2030-31 season. But those with knowledge of the matter have disclosed that it has been complicated by a failure to come to an agreement over the Freightliner Terminal, behind the Stretford End. 9th Jul 2025, 18:00 By Kealan Hughes Man Utd eye Real Madrid star Manchester United are targeting a shock summer move for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, journalist Eduardo Inda has claimed. The report says that the Red Devils are reportedly preparing an offer worth €90m (£78m) for the France international and are going 'all out' to secure his signature, with one part of the story actually suggesting that a bid has already been submitted. Real Madrid are unlikely to let Tchouameni leave this summer, as he is considered 'untouchable' by new head coach Xabi Alonso, who took charge of Los Blancos last month. 9th Jul 2025, 17:35 By Kealan Hughes Gunners' Gyokeres talks hit a snag Arsenal could miss out on signing dream target Viktor Gyokeres after negotiations stalled due to differences in overall valuation and contract terms. The difference between Gyokeres' valuation and Arsenal's offer is believed to be around £4m. An offer of £56m plus £13m in add-ons was reportedly put forward during the meeting, but Sporting are said to have held firm. They are said to be looking for are looking for £60m guaranteed with no add-ons. 9th Jul 2025, 16:49 By Kealan Hughes United eye attacking swap deal Man Utd have begun negotiations to seal a deal for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic but 'are going to end up' with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to Caught Offside. With United set to miss out on Gyokeres they have turned their attention to a 'smart swap deal' for Juventus forward Vlahovic but face potential competition from Newcastle United, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. The Italian giants are 'eager to get his high wages off their books' and a source has told the website that "the Red Devils have begun discussions with Juventus over including Jadon Sancho in their deal for Vlahovic". 9th Jul 2025, 16:24 By Kealan Hughes Bryan Mbeumo deal in doubt Tottenham are interested in Yoanne Wissa in a move that could disrupt Man Utd's approach for Bryan Mbeumo. According to the Evening Standard Brentford do not want to lose both key men this summer. United are weighing up a third bid for Mbeumo, with the Bees holding out for more than £60million. 9th Jul 2025, 16:00 By Joshua Hall New Sporting target Man Utd seem as though they will miss out on Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal. However, they could still get another Sporting star to jump ship and reunite with Ruben Amorim this summer. According to Football Transfers, defender Goncalo Inacio, 23, is being considered by United. They suggest the Red Devils would like to sign Inacio on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy the centre-back for £34.5m. Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested in Inacio, whose current terms expire in 2027. 9th Jul 2025, 15:30 By Joshua Hall Rashford's Mourinho reunion rumours Whispers out of Turkey are sensationally claiming that Marcus Rashford has given the green light to a move to Fenerbahce. Fotomac report that representatives of the Turkish giants are set to fly to Manchester this weekend to hold meetings with Rashford's team and Man Utd officials. While they also suggest that Jose Mourinho, current Fenerbahce boss, has personally called Rashford to discuss the potential transfer with his former player. It's said that Fenerbahce would like to strike up a loan deal with an option to buy. 9th Jul 2025, 15:00 By Joshua Hall United 'optimistic' of Mbeumo deal Despite Bryan Mbeumo's growing frustration at the slow movement on his proposed move to Man Utd, the Red Devils are thought to be "optimistic" that they will find an agreement with Brentford. According to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, United are hopeful a deal can be done in time for their pre-season tour of the USA. Man Utd's first stateside fixture comes against West Ham in New Jersey on July 26. 9th Jul 2025, 14:30 By Joshua Hall Boca wonderkid deal Man Utd are reportedly interested in signing Boca Juniors wonderkid Milton Delgado. According to Canal 26, United have been keeping tabs on the 20-year-old central midfielder and are ready to make an offer in the coming days. Delgado, who is also wanted by Independiente , Godoy Cruz, and Tigre, is under contract with the club until 2028. The rising star is part of Argentina's U20 side and is reportedly valued at around £4.7m. By Gyokeres' Amorim praise Viktor Gyokeres is full of praise for former manager Ruben Amorim despite being poised to snub Manchester United for rivals Arsenal. Speaking to L'Equipe, Gyokeres said: "We have a lot of amazing memories together as a team, winning two championships in a row, for the first time in 71 years I think it is, it's an amazing achievement. "Of course, Amorim played a big part of this because he was the one who really wanted me here and his style of football that we played under him suited me perfectly. I can't thank him enough."
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Man Utd ‘make huge £78m bid for Real Madrid Champions League winner as Ruben Amorim targets ambitious transfer'
REAL Madrid have rejected a shock £78million bid from Manchester United for Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports. The Red Devils are looking to kick-start Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford after last season's devastating 15th-place finish in the Premier League, their lowest ever in the competition. 2 2 The versatile Los Blancos ace has been linked with a move to England for some time, having won the Champions League and LaLiga in 2024. Now, according to Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda, Real Madrid have turned down Man United's surprise move for the 25-year-old. Midfielder Christian Eriksen left the club this summer at the end of his contract and Tchouameni would certainly be a strong replacement. Tchouameni has made 146 appearances for the Spanish giants since signing from Monaco in 2022 for £85.3million including add-ons. He's bagged five goals in that time, as well as six assists. Man United, meanwhile, have made three additions this summer already. Matheus Cunha joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a stunning £62.5million in June. The forward will earn £200,000-a-week while at the club - making him the fourth highest earner in the squad behind Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount. They have also added youngsters Enzo Kana-Biyik, a free agent from Le Havre, and 18-year-old Cerro Porteno's Diego Leon to their ranks. Meanwhile, other target Bryan Mbeumo will require a larger fee if Amorim and co want to bring him to Manchester. Brentford have rejected two of Man United's bids of up to £60million for their forward, who wants to move to Old Trafford.
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd ‘make huge £78m bid for Real Madrid Champions League winner as Ruben Amorim targets ambitious transfer'
REAL Madrid have rejected a shock £78million bid from Manchester United for Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports. The Red Devils are looking to kick-start Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford after last season's devastating 15th-place finish in the Premier League, their lowest ever in the competition. 2 Tchouameni is on Man United's wish list Credit: Getty 2 Amorim needs reinforcements to change his team's horror form around Credit: GETTY The versatile Los Blancos ace has been linked with a move to England for some time, having won the Champions League and LaLiga in 2024. Now, according to Spanish journalist Madrid have turned down Man United's surprise move for the 25-year-old. Midfielder Christian Eriksen left the club this summer at the end of his contract and Tchouameni would certainly be a strong replacement. Tchouameni has made 146 appearances for the Spanish giants since signing from Monaco in 2022 for £85.3million including add-ons. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS He's bagged five goals in that time, as well as six assists. Man United, meanwhile, have made three additions this summer already. The forward will earn £200,000-a-week while at the club - Casemiro , Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount . Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK They have also added youngsters Enzo Kana-Biyik, a free agent from Le Havre, and 18-year-old Cerro Porteno's Diego Leon to their ranks. Meanwhile, other target Manchester . Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic reveals Cristiano Ronaldo moment that transformed Sir Alex Ferguson's entire approach Man United are back in action next Saturday against Leeds in a pre-season friendly.
New York Times
07-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Real Madrid are using Valverde to protect Alexander-Arnold – how will that go against PSG?
As Xabi Alonso imposes his tactical ideas on Real Madrid, there have been compelling, subtle tweaks across the tournament. That continued as Madrid defeated Dortmund 3-2 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with a fluid, adaptable shape that shifted when Alonso's side were in and out of possession. Given their difficulties with ball progression against Juventus, Alonso returned to a back-four system in possession, with Aurelien Tchouameni starting in his familiar midfield position rather than the central defender in a back three. Advertisement This meant that Madrid were able to shift the ball laterally and vertically to threaten Dortmund's shape. While Arda Guler would occasionally drop between Madrid's centre-backs or into a left-back position to allow Fran Garcia to stay high and wide, the below example was a typical structure from which they built. How Madrid looked out of possession is where things looked interesting. New signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen have assimilated well into the back line, and Alonso has expressed his satisfaction of the team's chemistry within the early weeks. Madrid are the only side not to have fallen behind in a game across all Club World Cup teams. With Alexander-Arnold not particularly known for his one-v-one defending, Alonso has put structural tweaks in place to mitigate against any vulnerabilities, via Federico Valverde. The Uruguay international has deputised at right-back on many occasions for Madrid, but his discipline to protect Alexander-Arnold on Madrid's right was a notable theme of the game against Dortmund. As ever, Valverde was everywhere — bringing safety on the ball, pushing forward, and catalysing Madrid's attack when needed. Off the ball, he was often playing as a wing-back. With Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi drifting towards the touchline, Alonso was acutely aware of the threat that the pacy 23-year-old could offer — particularly when supported by wing-back Daniel Svensson. Valverde was tasked with dropping in and forming a back five out of possession. Sometimes this would mean Alexander-Arnold taking a narrow position — almost as the right centre-back — across Madrid's back line… …but on other occasions, the England international returned to his wider position to track Adeyemi, with Valverde tucking in to close any gaps Dortmund could exploit and stay goalside of any runners in behind. Such was the tactical intelligence from Alonso's players, that the back five would be retained even if the configuration of players themselves were different. After 23 minutes, when Antonio Rudiger was pulled into a wide position, Alexander-Arnold tucked in, Huijsen shuffled across, and Tchouameni was the one to drop into the defensive line to ensure that those gaps remained filled. There were countless other examples, but another benefit of this situational back five is that it allows centre-backs Huijsen and Rudiger — both of whom are front-footed in their defensive style — to jump out and snuff attacks at source, knowing they have the protection of their team-mates to shuffle across. When he is not deputising as a right-back, Valverde has been known for supporting Dani Carvajal defensively under Carlo Ancelotti — but the extent to which Valverde was dropping into the back line has been notable under Alonso. A perfect example of Alexander-Arnold and Valverde dovetailing is shown in the second half. As Alexander-Arnold steps forward to engage with left wing-back Svensson, Valverde steps back to cover the space and shut out Felix Nmecha's underlapping run. A pulley system that will please Alonso as much as their finishing and shot-stopping. 'It has been a tactical tweak that we wanted,' Alonso told The Athletic after the Dortmund game. 'He had to decide when he was dropping and when he was pressing a little bit higher, but we know with Fede that he is such a complete player that he gives you whatever you need, and we use him in different tasks. So when Trent was tired, we used him as a right-back. I'm really happy to train him, and he is a top player for us.' Advertisement So, why is this so relevant? Well, Alexander-Arnold and Valverde have the unenviable task of shutting down Europe's most threatening left-sided attacks on Wednesday against Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final. The skills of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are one thing, but the underlapping runs from supporting team-mates means that Madrid will have to be particularly switched on in wide areas. It might be the direct running of left-back Nuno Mendes, any one of PSG's forward line, or a supporting midfielder — typically Fabian Ruiz — but Luis Enrique's side have a knack for pulling players out of position. In their quarter-final with Bayern Munich, it was Desire Doue's run that Kvaratskhelia found in the disorganised back line of Vincent Kompany's team. Doue's subsequent cutback to the edge of the area found Ruiz in space, and a better finish would have seen PSG punish Bayern midway through the first half. Even when that run is not found, it is still threatening as a decoy. The best example of this comes from PSG's last-16 match against Inter Miami with another penetrative underlapping run from Doue. This time, Kvaratskhelia cuts inside and drives straight towards the goal with no Miami player able to get near to him without making a foul. While you might point to poor defending above, the speed, conviction and fluidity with which PSG drag opposition defenders away to create space is attacking play of the highest level. For Madrid fans, the good news is that flexibility and fluidity is starting to show under Alonso, in and out of possession. Wednesday's match will be the biggest test of that under their new head coach. If Madrid are going to shut down PSG's threat on the left, they will need to combine Alexander-Arnold and Valverde to great effect again.
