Tchouameni’s future was thrown into doubt ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid rumours Real Madrid wanted to sell him to raise funds for a summer transfer overhaul.
Los Blancos have backed returning boss Jose Mourinho so far with a €75M combined spend on full back duo Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries alongside free transfer moves for Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate.
However, the move to retain Tchouameni, and block firm transfer interest from Manchester United, offers a clear stance of Mourinho viewing him as ideal for the No.6 role in the 2026/27 season.
Makelele knows all about playing that position in Madrid – with the Frenchman’s 2003 move to Chelsea frequently held up as one of the club’s biggest transfer errors – and he’s confident Mourinho has avoided such a costly mistake.
“Mourinho isn't stupid, he's a good coach, one of the best. He knows he's going to need a strong team to win La Liga.
“He was the only consistent player from beginning to end last season. He’s the type of player I would never let leave my team.”
Tchouameni made 31 LaLiga starts for Real Madrid last season, only bettered by Federico Valverde as a midfield option for both Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa, and the pair should stay as first-choice under Mourinho alongside Jude Bellingham.
All three are not expected to return for preseason training until August, due to their World Cup exploits, and Mourinho kicks off his LaLiga return against Real Sociedad on August 16.