Manchester United wanted Aurelien Tchouameni badly. They talked to his representatives, and they were reported to have the money. The deal still never got close.
The Sun’s United correspondent, Samuel Luckhurst, reported that the club backed away because of the player’s salary demands. Tchouameni was United’s ideal target, the paper said, but there was worry the costs could climb and that a Real Madrid player on big wages could upset United’s pay structure. Fabrizio Romano said much the same: a deal was never close because of the salary, and Madrid never considered selling. He also reported that United had told the player’s side he would have to accept a lower wage to come.
Then Tchouameni signed. Romano reported a full agreement on a new contract with Real Madrid until June 2031, and said Jose Mourinho, Madrid’s coach, was a key factor after making clear he considers the midfielder central to his side. TEAMtalk reported that Mourinho told club president Florentino Perez he had no intention of losing him.
The price question
Reports on the fee ran all over the place. Defensa Central said Madrid turned down a 120 million euro ($137 million) offer from United before the new deal was done. Another report had Madrid accepting a 100 million euro bid. Spanish journalist Miguel Serrano put the real price at 180 million euros, an amount he called exorbitant because Madrid did not want to sell at all.
Not everyone closed the door. United reporter Andy Mitten said Madrid could still sell if it needed cash, and that Tchouameni would be happy to play for United if circumstances changed. TEAMtalk said United want to be ready to move fast if that happens later in the window.
Club sources at United told TEAMtalk there is little sign that either Madrid or the player is looking for a transfer.
