Real Madrid are open to selling defensive midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni to Manchester United as the Spanish club seeks funds for new signings, according to reports released on July 28, 2026.
The potential move comes as Manchester United manager Michael Carrick targets midfield reinforcements following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans at Old Trafford.
Real Madrid must generate substantial transfer revenue to finance a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who has 12 months left on his contract.
Journalist Andy Mitten shared insights regarding Manchester United's ongoing pursuit of the French international during a recent appearance on the Talk of the Devils podcast.
"You know, Manchester United have been offered players, midfielders from Spain who are probably going to pass on because they've got no Premier League experience or experience outside of Spain," said Mitten.
Mitten noted that United have maintained a long-standing interest in Tchouameni despite his contentment at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"But United have been interested in Tchouameni long term, though he's been very happy at Madrid. He's still very happy at Madrid!"
Mitten stated.
The financial demands of Real Madrid's transfer plans are pushing the Spanish champions toward significant player sales this summer.
"But Madrid are buying big and therefore, according to multiple sources I've spoken to, they need to sell big," Mitten noted.
English clubs remain primary targets for high-value player sales given their financial resources.
"If Real Madrid are considering selling him, they'll be looking at the daft money going around in the Premier League and probably thinking 'we'll have a little bit of that,'" Mitten said.
United's financial constraints could complicate any potential agreement despite their admiration for the player.
"I'm not sure Manchester United could be going to the daft sort of money levels, though, even though it's a player they absolutely have long admired.
And then you've got the wages to factor in as well," Mitten added.
Unforeseen developments during the transfer window could still alter Tchouameni's current situation in Spain.
"I stress, he's very happy at Madrid.
But if a club don't want you and I've currently got no evidence that they don't want him, situations can change.
There are a lot of obstacles here as well," Mitten explained.
Manchester Evening News correspondent Steven Railston offered a more cautious assessment of the potential transfer based on club sources.
"Speaking to a United source across the weekend in Trondheim, they were adamant that a deal for Tchouameni is not currently realistic due to the cost involved," said Railston.
Financial valuations remain a primary hurdle for Manchester United in securing the midfielder.
"The internal feeling is that if Real Madrid were willing to sell the midfielder, he would not be available at a price United could meet," Railston stated.
United maintain interest in the player should Real Madrid alter their asking price.
"Tchouameni is a dream signing for United, and they would absolutely make an offer if they received the right signals from Madrid on price, but how much they would want remains to be seen, and whether they are willing to sell at all," Railston added.
Transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Real Madrid require player departures to balance their balance sheet for incoming transfers.
"Yan Diomande, Rodri, financially are completely separate topics for Real Madrid," said Romano.
Significant sales remain a prerequisite for any further high-profile acquisitions by the Spanish giants.
"And in order for these deals to happen, Real Madrid need fresh money, they need outgoings," Romano explained.
Player sales will directly dictate Real Madrid's ability to pursue top targets like Rodri.
"For example if they decide to bring in Rodri, they need to generate money.
So we need to understand who could be on the way out of Real Madrid," Romano added.
Manchester United have also evaluated alternative midfield targets, including Roma's Manu Kone, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, and Bournemouth's Tyler Adams, who is valued at £35 million.
