Ex-Barcelona scout explains why club passed up chance to sign Aurelien Tchouameni prior to Real Madrid move despite Cesc Fabregas recommendation

Tchouameni had made a name for himself as one of the best midfield prospects in the game during his time at Monaco playing alongside Barcelona legend Fabregas. The Spanish midfielder had suggested the Catalan side look into signing the Frenchman, and so Barca sent scout Krkic Sr. to scout Tchouameni.

However, Barcelona rejected the opportunity to sign the Frenchman as Krkic Sr.'s scouting reports suggested that Tchouameni had poor creativity, and was 'excessively' aggressive in marking. Tchouameni then went on to sign a deal with Barca's bitter rivals Real Madrid in 2022, though has recently struggled at points of their underwhelming 2024-25 season.

Speaking to SER Catalunya, Krkic Sr. said: "I went to see him two or three times, against PSG and Marseille. In my reports I always put the same thing: he has power, strength, and aggressiveness in marking, perhaps in excess, but creativity; little. He was not for a big club, I didn’t like him."

Real Madrid are reported to be unhappy Tchouameni's performances of late and he has been linked with a move away from the club. Liverpool are said to have shown interest in the Frenchman having previously courted him in 2022.