Man Utd get 'unexpected' chance to sign 'ideal' midfielder

29 Jun 2026 09:32 BST | 5 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

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Manchester United could be offered a chance to sign their dream target this summer after the door was finally opened for Michael Carrick to get his ideal midfielder.

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United are desperate to add multiple world class midfielders to their squad this summer, with Brazilian star Ederson set to join from Atalanta for €45 million after the 2026 World Cup.

Mateus Fernandes is believed to be among United’s top targets but they have so far been unable to agree a deal with West Ham for the €100m 21-year-old, with a deal becoming even more tricky after a long-term injury to Manuel Ugarte and amid interest from Tottenham.

However, United’s number one midfield target has always been Aurelien Tchouameni but Real Madrid have so far resisted any approach from the Red Devils to sign the Frenchman.

But a fresh report from Spanish outlet SPORT has claimed that Tchouameni’s name is gaining ‘traction’ towards an exit in order for Madrid to fund more transfer business and balance their squad.

Real Madrid are keen to sign a top midfielder such as Enzo Fernandez, which would require a substantial sale, but, with several stars allegedly being ‘reluctant’ to leave, Los Blancos may sanction Tchouameni’s ‘unexpected’ departure to finance their business.

Madrid to consider ‘unexpected’ Tchouameni sale

Tchouameni joined Real Madrid for €80m in 2022 and has been a key player ever since but the 26-year-old has just two years remaining on his contract, which the club are keen to renew.

© IMAGO - Aurelien Tchouameni could leave Real Madrid this summer.

Federico Valverde had been a player that some reports suggested Madrid would be open to cashing in on, particularly after a bust up with Tchouameni last season, but the Uruguayan is expected to be an important figure under Jose Mourinho next season.

With Eduardo Camavinga allegedly making it clear that he has ‘no intention’ of leaving Real Madrid this summer, the Spanish giants are aware that Tchouameni’s sale would be the ‘most lucrative’ deal to help fund Fernandez’s signing.

Chelsea are said to be unwilling to consider Fernandez’s sale for anything less than €140m and Tchouameni’s sale would be the only way to raise such a substantial fee, with the player’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) or €70.2m likely to be the minimum Madrid would ask for.

Verdict: Don’t rule it out

Fabrizio Romano has previously described the France international as the ‘perfect defensive midfielder’ in United’s eyes, saying: “If Man Utd had the opportunity to choose the ideal replacement for Casemiro, internally the name mentioned most often would have been Tchouameni.

Current ETV

Aurélien Tchouaméni

DM, M (C)

Real Madrid

Aurélien Tchouaméni

DM, M (C)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€63.1M - €77.2M

“He is viewed as the perfect defensive midfielder, with elite quality, top-level European experience and all the characteristics Man Utd are looking for. The interest is absolutely genuine.”

Romano has also raised concerns over Tchouameni’s wages, which would likely make him one of the highest paid players at the club if he joined, however transfer expert Ben Jacobs insisted last week that he did not envision the player’s salary being a problem for United.

Much will depend on Madrid’s asking price for Tchouameni, as well as the progress on United’s deal for Fernandes, but it appears as though Carrick’s side will have an opportunity to make their move before the end of the summer.

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Read more about: Premier League Man Utd Real Madrid Aurélien Tchouaméni Casemiro Ederson Jose Eduardo Camavinga Enzo Fernandez Federico Valverde Manuel Ugarte