Aurelien Tchouameni is not a top target for Manchester United in the early days of the 2026 summer transfer window. The French midfielder is considered a player model suitable for coach Jose Mourinho's philosophy at Real Madrid. And the Portuguese strategist also wants to keep him at Santiago Bernabeu.
Earlier this month, many sources said that Tchouameni had agreed to extend his contract with Real Madrid. However, no official announcement has been made to date.
Ibrahima Konate's case is a clear reminder that everything can change. The French center-back once affirmed that he had reached an agreement to extend his contract with Liverpool but then still moved to Real Madrid.
After the 2026 World Cup closed, Man United resumed interest in Tchouameni. Meanwhile, Los Blancos are ready to sell the 26-year-old midfielder for about 80 million Euros (68.3 million pounds).
Rodri's impressive performance at the World Cup further raises the possibility that Real Madrid wants to bring the Manchester City star back to La Liga.
In three consecutive summers, Real Madrid has rejuvenated the midfield with Eduardo Camavinga, Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham. However, Rodri is still considered the best defensive midfielder in the world today and is a target that the Bernabeu team especially desires.
Rodri's contract with Man City is only valid until next summer. Even if they cannot recruit him right in this transfer window, Real Madrid is still famous for its strategy of pursuing players whose contracts are about to expire.
In addition, the Royal Spanish team also wants to increase the number of Spanish national team players in the squad. After recruiting Marc Cucurella from Chelsea, they continue to aim to build a framework imbued with Spanish identity like the successful period before with Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso.
For Man United, they have many reasons to pursue Tchouameni.
The French midfielder has played at his peak in Real Madrid and the French national team for many years, having reached the World Cup final and won the Champions League.
At the age of 26, Tchouameni is also in the age group that Man United prioritizes recruiting. More importantly, he is a true defensive midfielder, a position that the Old Trafford team has not yet found a solution to despite adding Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans.
Tchouameni currently has only 2 years left on his contract and the price of about 80 million Euros is considered reasonable compared to the current transfer level. Previous targets of the "Red Devils" such as Elliot Anderson or Sandro Tonali both cost up to more than 100 million pounds. Bournemouth also valued Alex Scott at about 80 million pounds, while Crystal Palace requested a similar fee for Adam Wharton.
Although Anderson, Tonali, Scott and Wharton are younger, Tchouameni is superior in terms of top-level playing experience as well as influence. He has affirmed his ability in Real Madrid and the French national team, something that the above midfielders still need more time to prove.
The French midfielder is also used to the pressure at a big club like Real Madrid. Therefore, expectations and pressure at Man United will not be too big a challenge for him.
Tchouameni possesses an ideal physical foundation to adapt to the Premier League. Casemiro once proved that a world-class defensive midfielder could completely make a difference in his first season at Old Trafford, even though he had turned 30 at that time.
Tchouameni is currently 4 years younger than Casemiro compared to the time the Brazilian midfielder joined Old Trafford in 2022. With his current level, Tchouameni is likely to demand a salary of about £250,000 per week.
