Real Madrid react as United dangle tempting contract to poach midfield general from Bernabeu – report

Manchester United are set for a midfield rebuild this summer. Casemiro is heading for the exit, and Manuel Ugarte, who has been unable to make his mark at Old Trafford, also looks likely to depart. That, combined with United’s existing transfer needs—which saw them chasing Carlos Baleba last summer—leaves the Red Devils with no choice but to prioritise the position. INEOS, therefore, will focus much of their effort on trying to persuade top midfielders to make the switch to Old Trafford. Tchouameni As they pursue this goal, an interesting update has emerged from Spain regarding a move for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. Not long ago, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Los Blancos could look to make a major midfield signing, one that would pave the way for the Frenchman’s exit and hand United a perfect opportunity to land Tchouameni, a player they have followed since his Monaco days. However, just as that opportunity appeared to be presenting itself, Defensa Central‘s latest update casts doubt on talk of a Tchouameni exit from the Bernabeu. Tchouameni stays put, and here is why The Spanish outlet reports that the 26-year-old is a key part of the Real Madrid project, stating that “Real Madrid are already considering renewing his contract before the summer of 2027, as he would only have one year left before becoming a free agent.” On what is driving the Spanish heavyweights to tie the midfielder down, it is explained that “Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly willing to offer him a salary of €12 million.” Aware of this, “Real Madrid will improve his salary in their offer, but they won’t drastically alter the established salary structure.” Despite that, money does not appear to be a sticking point on Tchouaméni’s end either, with the outlet claiming that “the player isn’t planning to ask for an exorbitant amount. He’s aware of his role within the team and the established salary scale.” United signing him would have made sense Tchouaméni could have been a brilliant midfield addition for United. Initially labelled as Pogba 2.0, given the French connection and his ability to operate in tight spaces, dictate play, and progress the ball forward, the La Liga midfielder could have injected real balance into United’s engine room. However, it will not happen. United must look elsewhere, though fortunately they have capable alternatives, such as Sandro Tonali. Tonali, if signed, would bring Premier League experience that could make him an instant hit, sparing United the adjustment period Tchouameni would have required. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.