€100m price tag tests Manchester United’s pursuit of Tchouameni

Over €100m is the price Real Madrid is expected to set for defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as Manchester United prepares to hold talks this week, signalling a potential blockbuster transfer in the early summer market. Both clubs see the deal as a test of their ambitions.

Real Madrid are no longer focused on signings, with player exits now at the forefront of their plans. They have opened negotiations for several first‑team players, the most prominent being defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

Tchouameni was one of Real Madrid’s best performers during the disappointing 2025‑26 season, yet his future at the Bernabeu remains uncertain. The club’s hierarchy is prepared to let him depart this summer, aware of strong interest from Premier League sides.

Manchester United have emerged as the leading suitor and are ready to initiate a move. Initial contacts are set for the coming days to assess the conditions of a potential transfer, which would rank among the summer’s biggest deals.

Real Madrid are expected to demand a fee exceeding €100m for Tchouameni. Any agreement, whether with United or another club, would likely be well above that threshold.

Earlier this summer, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur secured Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali respectively for fees that also surpassed €100m, and Real Madrid can argue that Tchouameni ranks higher than both.

Consequently, the Spanish side could set a huge asking price that United must meet, and if the bid falls short, Tchouameni may stay in Jose Mourinho’s squad for the 2026‑27 campaign, where he would be a valuable asset.