Fabrizio Romano dropped an update on Manchester United’s long chase for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, and it’s not the straightforward splash-the-cash story some fans hoped for.
According to the transfer insider, United have already made it clear to Tchouameni’s camp that the only way this move happens is if he accepts a significantly lower salary. The France international currently earns big money at the Bernabéu, and Old Trafford’s new hierarchy under INEOS isn’t willing to match it.
Two Big Problems Standing in the Way
Romano laid out the situation on his YouTube channel. First, there’s the paycheck problem. United have told people close to Tchouameni during recent contacts that any move would require him to play for less. Second, Real Madrid haven’t given United the green light to even begin formal negotiations.
“At the moment, Manchester United made clear to those close to Tchouameni that the only way for him to go eventually to Man Utd is on a different salary,” Romano said. “So that’s the first issue.”
The second issue? “Man Utd are yet to receive any green light from Real Madrid to go and negotiate. They are not receiving any sort of message from Madrid like, okay, let’s sit at a table and try to reach an agreement.”
The Dream Signing That’s Hard to Pull Off
United have long seen Tchouameni as the ideal replacement for Casemiro. The French World Cup runner-up is 26, a top-tier defensive midfielder, and has won La Liga and the Champions League with Los Blancos. He’s under contract through 2028, so Madrid hold all the leverage.
The rumored asking price is at least €100 million (about £85.4 million). United might already have a deal in place for Atalanta’s Ederson Silva, but INEOS apparently wants another body in midfield and Tchouameni remains the top target on paper.
But between the wage gap and Madrid’s unwillingness to play ball, this one looks far from done. United fans dreaming of a midfield built around the French star might need to wait — or watch him stay put in Spain.
Leave a Comment