Real Madrid’s willingness to consider a significant midfield sale has put Aurélien Tchouaméni back into the frame for Manchester United. Liverpool are also watching the situation, but the fee is still the main obstacle, with Madrid valuing him at €100 million.
Why the price still matters
The change in stance is the key development. Reports in Spain say Madrid’s hierarchy have eased their position and are now open to making a ‘significant sale’ in midfield this summer. TEAMtalk’s report goes a step further, saying Madrid have told Tchouameni his future at the club is no longer certain.
That does not mean a move is close. It does mean the player has moved from speculative target to genuine summer option, which is enough to keep United and Liverpool paying attention.
The valuation explains why this remains a major deal rather than a routine transfer. Madrid are still asking for €100 million, and that figure reflects what they think they are parting with. Tchouameni played 49 games last season and logged over 3,900 minutes, so any buyer would be paying for a midfielder they trust in a top-level role.
Why Madrid's stance changed the market
There is still no confirmed leading bidder, and no source says United are ahead of Liverpool. The reporting only gets as far as interest, talks and monitoring, which is sensible for a player under contract until 2028.
That contract length is part of why Madrid can set the price so high. They are not dealing from a weak position, and the 2025 numbers for the club underline that this is a team still operating at the top end of European football. Madrid finished second in La Liga and reached the Champions League top nine.
So the story is less about whether Tchouameni is leaving and more about whether anyone is willing to pay Madrid's number. Right now, United and Liverpool can at least keep the file open. The next step will depend on whether the €100 million valuation ever gets tested.
Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 5 outlets. How we work →