Liverpool tried and failed to sign 2 Real Madrid stars this summer - Reports

Liverpool had a relatively quiet summer transfer window, with their only acquisition being Federico Chiesa from Juventus. However, it wasn’t for lack of trying, as TBR Football have reported that they inquired about the availability of Real Madrid duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Rodrygo.

Arne Slot’s team have started the season strongly, but their transfer activity was far from ideal. The Reds aimed to bolster both their forward and midfield options, but their early attempts to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon fell through.

As a result, they reportedly approached Real Madrid for Tchouameni, but were met with a firm rejection. The French international has been linked with the Reds in the past but declined an offer a couple of years back, expressing his desire to join Real Madrid instead.

"The first to come forward was Liverpool, we had discussions. Then Real arrived. And in my head everything was clear. It was Real and not another," Tchouameni explained to La Parisien in 2022.

Meanwhile, there have been questions about Rodrygo’s future at the Spanish capital, especially following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe. Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City, whom the Brazilian once called the ‘best team in the world,’ were also rumored to be interested. However, Los Blancos were resolute in keeping him, dismissing any approaches from both clubs.

Both Rodrygo and Tchouameni, under 25, are seen as key to Real Madrid’s future. While there was some interest, reports suggest that Liverpool’s inquiry was not concrete but rather a follow-up on players previously linked with the club.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson explains the key reason behind Arne Slot’s early success

Liverpool have been in magnificent form early in the season, remaining one of only two teams with a perfect record in the Premier League. Additionally, they are the only team in the league yet to concede a goal.

While the first two games, against Ipswich Town and Brentford, were routine wins, it was their performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford that truly stood out. Slot’s men dismantled their old rivals, with a brace from Luis Diaz and a second-half strike from Mohamed Salah securing a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, who has also had a strong start to the campaign, revealed that Slot’s approach is simple and clear, making it easier for the players to understand and implement on the pitch.

"His [Slot’s] ideas are not too complicated. He’s a really smart manager – not only about the way he thinks about football but the way he implements his ideas, it’s really clear. The message is really clear, so for us players it’s not too complicated and I think that’s what we are showing on the pitch. Now we get confidence from doing the things that he asks us to do," Alisson said. (via the club's website)

Following the international break, the Reds are set to face Nottingham Forest at Anfield (September 14) before playing their first Champions League game against AC Milan (September 17).