Liverpool could reportedly revisit their long-standing interest in Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni following the return of Julian Ward to the club’s sporting director role.

Ward has officially returned to Liverpool after the departure of Richard Hughes, taking charge of the club’s sporting direction once again. The appointment represents a return to a position Ward previously held during the 2022/23 season, before he moved into a technical director role with Fenway Sports Group.

One of the names now being linked with Liverpool is Tchouaméni, a player Ward reportedly admired strongly during his previous spell overseeing recruitment at Anfield.

Julian Ward’s previous interest in Tchouaméni

According to a report from Football Insider, Ward was a major admirer of Tchouaméni before the midfielder eventually left Monaco for Real Madrid in 2022. The report claims Ward had pushed for Liverpool to sign the France international at the time and that his interest in the player has remained.

That history has fuelled suggestions that Tchouaméni could once again become a Liverpool transfer target.

Football365 subsequently reported that Tchouaméni could potentially become Ward’s first major signing after returning to the sporting director position, while FootballTransfers reported on September 26 that Liverpool have the midfielder on their radar ahead of a possible January approach.

However, it is important to stress that these reports currently describe interest and a possible future move, rather than an agreed transfer or advanced negotiations between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Tchouaméni remains a Real Madrid player

The biggest obstacle for Liverpool is Tchouaméni’s position at Real Madrid.

The French midfielder joined the Spanish giants from Monaco in 2022 and remains part of the first-team squad. Real Madrid’s official player profile lists him as a midfielder and records his continued involvement with the club during the 2026/27 season.

More importantly, Tchouaméni reportedly signed a contract extension with Real Madrid in July 2026. L’Équipe reported that the new agreement ties him to the Spanish club until June 2031.

That long-term contract means Liverpool would face a significant negotiation if they decide to pursue the player.

There have been conflicting reports about his availability. Earlier in 2026, TeamTalk reported that Liverpool and Manchester United had been monitoring his situation and suggested that questions had emerged about his long-term future in Madrid. However, the same outlet later reported that Real Madrid sources were playing down the possibility of the midfielder leaving.

Why Liverpool could consider another midfielder

Liverpool’s midfield could become an area of recruitment focus under Ward.

The club invested heavily in other areas during the summer transfer window but did not add another midfielder, according to FootballTransfers. That leaves the position as one of the areas being discussed as Liverpool plan for future transfer windows.

Tchouaméni’s profile would offer Liverpool a physically strong midfielder capable of operating in a deeper role. He has also gained extensive experience at the highest level since joining Real Madrid.

The midfielder is now 26 and has already won major honours with Real Madrid, including the Champions League, La Liga and FIFA Club World Cup. Real Madrid’s official statistics show that he has continued to feature during the opening stages of the 2026/27 campaign.

His versatility could also be attractive to Liverpool’s recruitment department. Tchouaméni can play as a defensive midfielder but has also been used in other midfield roles and, when required, in defence.

A potential 2027 transfer rather than an immediate deal

At this stage, Liverpool supporters should treat the story as one to monitor rather than evidence that a transfer is imminent.

Football Insider’s report specifically points towards a possible move in 2027, while FootballTransfers has raised the possibility of Liverpool exploring the situation as early as the January transfer window.

The difference is significant. Liverpool would first have to establish whether Real Madrid are prepared to entertain offers for a player they have recently tied down until 2031.

The timing of Ward’s return, however, makes the story particularly interesting. His previous admiration for Tchouaméni is documented in the current reporting, meaning this is not simply a new name being generated by transfer speculation.

For now, there is no confirmation from Liverpool or Real Madrid that negotiations are taking place. What is clear is that Tchouaméni remains a player associated with Liverpool’s recruitment plans at a time when Julian Ward is returning to the centre of the club’s transfer operation.

If Ward does decide to pursue his former target, the coming months could reveal whether an interest that dates back to Tchouaméni’s Monaco days can finally lead to a move to Anfield.