Tchouameni warned against Real Madrid move by France legend

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • Updated: 3 Jun 2022 12:19 CDT
  • 3 min read
Aurelien Tchouameni, Monaco, 2021/22
© ProShots

Aurelien Tchouameni is close to completing a €100 million transfer from Monaco to Real Madrid, but one France legend fears that it represents a risk for the player with the World Cup looming in November.

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Tchouameni has enjoyed an impressive season for Monaco, helping them to third in Ligue 1 thanks to a run of nine successive victories towards the end of the campaign.

Such form has attracted interest from Real Madrid, PSG and Liverpool. It seems that the Spanish side, though, have beaten out the competition to sign the midfielder.

Bixente Lizarazu, who was a member of the France squad that won the World Cup in 1998 plus a stalwart for Bayern Munich for many years, is doubtful that it will be a switch that yields instant success.

“The only thing that could perturb Tchouameni in the next months is the possible transfer to Real Madrid, if it happens,” he told L’Equipe. “In general, it takes between six months and year to adapt to a new club, especially one in another county. If he doesn’t have the playing time he expects, this could affect his confidence.

“At Monaco, he plays, he’s got the confidence of the club and that helped him make a thunderous debut for the France team. By November, this could have an influence.”

France caps to help Tchouameni

Tchouameni and Kylian Mbappe
© ProShots - Tchouameni and Kylian Mbappe

Lizarazu says, however, that already having international experience counts in the player’s future.

“Aurelien Tchouameni’s time with France will help him cross to Real Madrid more easily,” he said. “And I imagine that if Real Madrid are ready to invest so much money in him, it’s to play and not to be left on the bench.”

Reports suggest that Tchouameni’s transfer to Real Madrid could be completed imminently – and perhaps even in the next 48 hours.

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