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Some players inside Real Madrid's dressing room are reportedly pushing for Federico Valverde to leave the club this summer, in the wake of his altercation with fellow midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni.
One of the most shocking stories of the campaign emerged on Thursday when reports surfaced that Valverde and Tchouaméni had engaged in a heated confrontation during training, which led to the Uruguayan being taken to hospital.
Madrid released an official statement confirming that Valverde had suffered a cranioencephalic trauma—a form of concussion—and would be sidelined for up to two weeks.
In a lengthy personal statement posted on Instagram, Valverde sought to downplay the episode, writing: "During the argument, I accidentally struck a table, causing a small cut on my forehead that required me to go on a protocol visit to the hospital. At no point did my teammate hit me, and I didn't hit him either, although I understand it's easier for you to believe we came to blows or that it was intentional, but that didn't happen.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry from the bottom of my heart because the situation hurts me, the moment we're going through pains me. Real Madrid are one of the most important things in my life, and I can't be indifferent. What happened is the accumulation of many things that result in a senseless fight that damages my image."
Both players received fines of €500,000 ($590,000) for the incident, while head coach Álvaro Arbeloa attempted to move past the matter at his pre-match press conference ahead of El Clásico, stating he would not "burn his players at the stake."
Could Valverde Face Further Punishment?
According to reports, Madrid have no current plans to sell either player when the transfer window reopens this summer, despite the disciplinary fallout—a stance that certain members of the squad appear to oppose.
Journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon posted on X: "There are players with weight in Real Madrid's locker room who are asking the club for Valverde's departure this summer. A very delicate issue to manage due to Valverde's track record at Madrid."
It remains unclear who exactly is calling for Valverde's exit, but the fractures within the dressing room are evident.
Valverde was among those who turned on former manager Xabi Alonso, alongside the likes of Vinícius Jr. On the opposing side, Tchouaméni and the French contingent, together with Thibaut Courtois and the summer arrivals, had supported Alonso's approach.
The rift between those who backed Alonso and those who sought his removal has persisted beyond the manager's mid-season exit, creating a toxic environment at the club that Arbeloa has struggled to resolve.
Several clubs have been linked with Valverde since last week's incident, while Manchester United are said to have an interest in Tchouaméni. Regardless of where the Madrid hierarchy stands on Valverde's future, the latest report only underscores the deep-rooted divisions within the squad.
Valverde, who serves as the club's vice-captain, is contracted at the Bernabéu until 2029, with his current deal including a buyout clause of €1 billion ($1.2 billion).