News Focus
- Senior Real Madrid players want Federico Valverde sold this summer
- The Uruguayan midfielder clashed with Aurelien Tchouameni in a training ground fight
- Both stars received €500,000 fines after the physical altercation
- Dressing room leaders blame Valverde for creating unsustainable tension
- The club faces a dilemma due to Valverde’s contract running until 2029
Real Madrid could lose a key midfielder this summer after senior squad members demanded his exit. The request follows a violent training ground clash between Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni that left the Uruguayan with a head injury.
The incident occurred last week when tempers flared between the two stars. Reports suggest Valverde repeatedly provoked the French international during practice sessions. He first made accusations against Tchouameni, then delivered harsh tackles, and finally claimed his teammate leaked private information to journalists.
The situation turned physical shortly afterwards. Club officials fined both players €500,000 each and closed their investigation. However, the punishment has not healed the rift within the squad.
According to journalist Ramon Alvarez de Mon, influential figures in the dressing room have now asked president Florentino Perez to sell Valverde. They believe the relationship between the two midfielders cannot be repaired. The request creates a sensitive problem for the board because Valverde has been a crucial player in recent successful campaigns.
Insiders suggest the blame lies mainly with the 26-year-old Uruguayan. Despite equal punishment from the club, teammates feel he pushed Tchouameni too far with his aggressive behaviour during training.
Selling Valverde presents financial challenges. His contract runs until 2029, and potential buyers would sense Real Madrid’s weak position if they must force a sale. The midfielder has also struggled to match his previous high standards this season, adding to the complexity of any transfer negotiations.
The Spanish giants face a difficult summer as they balance squad harmony against sporting and commercial interests.