It seems that Real Madrid's failure to seal a deal for Rodri, Manchester City's star, may carry good news for Aurelien Tchouameni, the "Merengue" player who entered last season amid questions about his future.
Tchouameni's name had been linked to the possibility of leaving Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, amid interest from several clubs in securing his services, led by Manchester United, coinciding with the Royal Club's association with an attempt to sign Rodri to bolster the midfield.
Tchouameni benefits from the failure of the Rodri deal?
But according to what Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, a transfer news specialist, reported, Real Madrid has decided to keep Tchouameni in its squad for the new season.
Romano pointed out that the 26-year-old Tchouameni has become an important part of the club's plans, especially after signing a new contract with the team.
Thus, all indications at the present time point to the French player's continued stay in the Spanish capital.
This decision gains added importance with Real Madrid not reaching an agreement to sign Rodri, a deal that could have created direct competition for the defensive midfielder position, the role in which Tchouameni primarily excels.
Consequently, Rodri's absence from the squad gives the Frenchman greater space to secure a pivotal role under the leadership of Jose Mourinho, especially with Real Madrid possessing a group of players capable of creating play and advancing offensively.
It appears that Mourinho views Tchouameni as one of the key elements in his new project with Real Madrid, with a clear inclination to rely on him as a regular defensive midfielder.
This point in particular may represent an important turning point in the player's career, after he was forced in previous seasons to occupy more than one position, including center-back when needed.
What has Tchouameni delivered with Real Madrid?
Last season's figures confirm that Tchouameni was indeed one of Real Madrid's most involved players, having played 49 matches across all competitions, totaling 3,940 minutes, scoring two goals and providing one assist, noting that he started in 31 La Liga matches.
These figures do not necessarily mean Tchouameni had a perfect season, but they confirm the level of trust he enjoyed within the team, and his continuation is no longer tied solely to the failure to land a new signing, but has become part of the coach's calculations for the upcoming season.
Overall, the French player has featured in 195 matches for Real since joining the club in the summer of 2022 from Monaco for 80 million euros, scoring 7 goals for the Royals along with 8 assists.