Manchester United’s search for a long-term successor to Casemiro has led them to place Aurelien Tchouameni at the top of their transfer wishlist.
However, any hopes of bringing the French midfielder to Old Trafford appear slim, as Real Madrid has made their stance unmistakably clear: Tchouameni is not for sale under any normal circumstances.
The Spanish giants have reportedly set a valuation of no less than €100 million, but even that figure is not meant to invite bids. Instead, it reflects the importance the club places on the 25-year-old midfielder.
Manager Xabi Alonso, together with the Real Madrid leadership, views Tchouameni as an essential piece of both their current squad and their long-term project. They see him as part of the team’s spine for years to come, which is why they have shut the door to negotiation.
According to sources close to the club, there is only one scenario in which Real Madrid might consider letting him leave: Tchouameni himself would need to formally request a transfer specifically to join Manchester United. Without such a move from the player, Madrid will not even sit at the negotiation table.
At present, however, there is no indication that Tchouameni is unhappy. Those within Real Madrid maintain that he feels settled, ambitious, and motivated to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu.
His desire to stay makes the possibility of a move to England extremely remote nearly impossible under current conditions.
Manchester United’s push for Tchouameni comes at a time when Casemiro’s future is becoming increasingly uncertain.
His contract expires at the end of the current season, and although the club has the option to extend it by another year, reports suggest United’s hierarchy is reluctant to trigger the extension due to his high salary and physical decline over recent months.
On top of that, Manchester United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League adds another complication. Competing without Europe’s top competition weakens their ability to attract elite-level players, particularly those already established at powerhouse clubs like Real Madrid.
Tchouameni, who is playing regularly and competing for trophies in Spain, would have little incentive to switch to a rebuilding side unless his situation in Madrid drastically changes.
Because of these challenges, United may be forced to shift their attention toward more realistic midfield options. One player increasingly mentioned is Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, reportedly valued at around £60 million.
While not as high-profile as Tchouameni, he is seen as a more obtainable target given United’s current circumstances.
For now, though, United’s pursuit of Tchouameni looks more like a long-shot dream than an achievable transfer. Unless the French midfielder personally forces the issue, Real Madrid will not budge leaving Manchester United with difficult decisions to make as they plan their midfield for the future.
