Manchester United wanted to make a statement in midfield this summer. They still might, but it won’t involve Aurélien Tchouaméni.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Real Madrid star is viewed internally at Old Trafford as the absolute ideal fit — a dream signing, in his words. But dreams come with a price tag, and this one is just too steep right now for United to swallow.
The problem isn’t just what Madrid would demand in transfer fees. It’s the wages. Tchouaméni’s current salary structure at the Bernabéu is considered well above what United’s budget allows for a single midfielder, especially when they’ve already got one big-money deal in the works.
Ederson is close, and they need more bodies
United are expected to finalize a move for Atalanta’s Ederson soon. That’s the first piece. The Brazilian international brings energy and ball-winning ability, but the club planned to bring in two midfielders this summer, not one.
Missing out on Mateus Fernandes stung. Tottenham matched Sporting’s €85 million package, and United couldn’t get there. That rejection forced the club to regroup, but according to Romano, the broader strategy hasn’t changed. They just need to find the right fit for that second spot.
Tchouaméni would be the obvious choice if money weren’t an issue. He’s young, proven at the highest level, and exactly the kind of profile Michael Carrick wants to build around. But Romano made it clear: the only way United could afford him is if the player agreed to a completely restructured salary package, and right now, that’s not happening.
Who else is on the list?
United’s recruitment team is scanning the market. A few names keep popping up. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is one to watch — he’s young, English, and has the kind of passing range that fits Carrick’s system. Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi is another, though he’s still a teenager and might need time to adjust. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has also been linked, and his versatility makes him an interesting option.
The club is trying to avoid getting burned by inflated domestic prices. The Fernandes deal showed that Premier League clubs are asking for premiums that United isn’t always willing to pay. So they’re looking abroad too, trying to find value without sacrificing quality.
For now, the Tchouaméni door is closed. That doesn’t mean United won’t land a big name. It just means their next move probably won’t be the one fans were dreaming about.
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