Real Madrid is reportedly weighing the possibility of stripping Federico Valverde of the captain’s armband following his recent confrontation with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni. The club is also open to listening to offers for the Uruguayan midfielder during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Earlier, Real Madrid announced fines of €500,000 for both Valverde and Tchouaméni after a physical altercation last Thursday, which resulted in Valverde being hospitalized with head injuries.
Valverde serves as the club’s second captain, behind Dani Carvajal. With Carvajal’s playing time inconsistent this season, the Uruguayan has worn the armband in most of Real Madrid’s matches.
According to reports from Diario Sport, citing Ok Diario, Real Madrid may strip Valverde of the captaincy and consider offers for his departure this summer, citing his failure to act as a leader and his lack of exemplary conduct.
The club believes the financial penalty is insufficient. While there is also anger directed at Tchouaméni, internally he is seen as reacting to provocation, placing him in a less criticized position within the squad. Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who was particularly upset by the incident, places greater emphasis on off-field issues than sporting problems this season. He views institutional respect and internal discipline as fundamental pillars that cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
Furthermore, Real Madrid’s performance over the past two seasons, marked by a lack of major titles, has led to stricter internal policies. In this context, only a few players are considered untouchable ahead of what is expected to be the most challenging summer transfer window in years. As a result, Valverde’s future is now uncertain, and Real Madrid will not rule out listening to offers for the Uruguayan midfielder during the summer transfer window, provided they are satisfactory to the club’s interests.
