Manchester United have placed Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni on a shortlist of priority targets to replace the outgoing Casemiro this summer, according to The Telegraph. The 26-year-old’s availability has been significantly boosted following reports from Marca of a physical altercation with teammate Federico Valverde during a training session at Valdebebas in May. Real Madrid are understood to value the French international at approximately £70 million (€82 million), a figure United could partially fund through the sale of winger Amad Diallo to Sunderland.
Real Madrid locker room tensions and valuation
The reported fallout between Tchouaméni and Valverde has shifted the landscape at the Bernabéu, where the midfielder was previously considered "untouchable." An unnamed source via The Athletic stated the fight "started at the end of training and carried on in the changing rooms" on 6 May. Despite Valverde previously describing Tchouaméni as a "world-class player," the breakdown in relations has led Real Madrid to consider offers in the region of £70m to £80m to maintain squad harmony ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. This valuation represents a slight increase on the initial £68.3m Madrid paid AS Monaco in 2022, reflecting the player's development into a central figure for both club and country despite the recent friction.
United squad transition and the Amad Diallo factor
The pursuit of Tchouaméni aligns with United’s need for a structural reset in midfield following Casemiro’s confirmed departure. Under interim manager Michael Carrick, the club is seeking a younger, more mobile anchor to sit alongside Kobbie Mainoo. According to TeamTalk, Sunderland are exploring a deal to re-sign Amad Diallo, 23, on a permanent basis to facilitate United's spending. Diallo, described by former manager Tony Mowbray as a "genius" during his previous loan spell at the Stadium of Light, faces a crossroads at Old Trafford with limited minutes this season. Sunderland’s aggressive recruitment, which includes the potential permanent signing of loanee Salis Abdul Samed from RC Lens, suggests the Championship club has the financial backing to test United's resolve for the Ivorian winger.
The situation is expected to progress following Real Madrid's upcoming fixture schedule, as United officials monitor whether Tchouaméni is selected for the starting XI.