Manchester United are monitoring Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni as they prepare for the departure of Casemiro at the end of the 2025/26 season. According to The Daily Telegraph, the 26-year-old France international is a priority candidate to occupy the holding midfield role at Old Trafford, with Real Madrid reportedly valuing the player at approximately £70 million (€80 million). While Manchester United are also pursuing Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, the club views Tchouaméni as a distinct specialist for the deep-lying defensive position.
The details of Manchester United’s midfield pursuit
As first reported by James Ducker in The Daily Telegraph, United have identified Tchouaméni as an "interesting option" as he enters his physical prime. Fabrizio Romano has since corroborated United’s interest, noting that the club intends to recruit two new midfielders during the upcoming window. However, Romano suggests that Real Madrid have not yet signalled a firm willingness to sell, despite a reported valuation being set. Tchouaméni remains under contract at the Bernabéu until June 2028, giving the Spanish giants significant leverage in any negotiations.
The Casemiro vacancy and Tchouaméni’s form
The urgency of United’s interest stems from the confirmed exit of Casemiro, who is expected to join Inter Miami as his contract nears its conclusion. Replacing the Brazilian’s defensive output is a primary concern for the INEOS-led sporting department. During the 2025/26 campaign, Tchouaméni made 44 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists while operating primarily as a lone pivot or in a double pivot. His availability may ultimately hinge on Real Madrid’s own market activity, specifically their rumoured interest in Manchester City’s Rodri or Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández.
Tactical rationale and the Elliot Anderson comparison
While Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has emerged as a top target for United, his profile differs significantly from Tchouaméni’s. Anderson, who made 33 Premier League appearances this season, is viewed as an "all-action" number eight. Furthermore, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis has reportedly set a £125 million price tag on Anderson to deter potential suitors, including Manchester City. At £70 million, Tchouaméni represents a more cost-effective solution for a specialist defensive role. Standing 6ft 2in, the Frenchman provides the aerial dominance and positional discipline that United’s midfield has lacked during Manuel Ugarte’s inconsistent debut season and Casemiro’s physical decline.
Market obstacles and next steps
The pursuit of Tchouaméni is complicated by Manchester United’s current managerial situation under interim boss Michael Carrick and the club's need to balance Financial Fair Play requirements. While United’s likely third-place finish in the Premier League ensures Champions League football—a prerequisite for a player of Tchouaméni’s stature—Real Madrid rarely sanction the sale of starters without a replacement already secured. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano stated: "At the moment, from Real Madrid, there are no signs that the club want to open the door to a summer exit." United’s success in this deal will likely depend on whether Real Madrid need to raise funds for their own high-profile arrivals.
The situation is expected to develop once the European season concludes and Real Madrid’s stance on their midfield configuration becomes clearer.
