Butt describes Tchouameni move to Manchester United as 'a long shot'
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has backed a potential summer move for Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni but admits signing the French international remains unlikely. Speaking to Paddy Power, Butt described the 24-year-old as a "phenomenal footballer" and "exactly what United need," though he stressed that convincing Real Madrid to sell would be a significant challenge.
Manchester United are expected to be in the market for at least one new central midfielder this summer, a need underscored by the departure of Casemiro and the potential sale of Manuel Ugarte. The club has been linked with several targets, including Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Newcastle's Elliot Anderson, but recent reports have signalled a strong interest in Tchouameni's situation at the Bernabeu.
Butt, who won multiple trophies during his playing career at Old Trafford, expressed his admiration for the player he first watched at Monaco. "I loved him at Monaco before he went to Real Madrid. I think he's a phenomenal footballer and exactly what United need in that sitting area," Butt said. However, he immediately tempered expectations regarding a deal, citing Tchouameni's importance to the Spanish giants. The midfielder is valued at around £70 million and is under contract until 2028.
The core of the difficulty, according to Butt, lies in Real Madrid's lack of incentive to sell. "I don't see Real Madrid selling Tchouameni until they get somebody who can replace him – maybe Rodri if Pep leaves Man City – or if [Florentino Perez] wants to rip it up because they're not winning," he explained. He concluded that any move would be "a long shot" and dependent on major upheaval elsewhere, such as Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City.
Despite the slim odds, Butt argued that securing Tchouameni would represent a major statement of intent from United. "He's a phenomenal player and that would be showing real intent of, we're not messing about, we're going to go for it," he said. Butt also suggested that United should aim to sign two midfielders this summer, ideally pairing an established star like Tchouameni with a younger prospect.
He dismissed concerns about a lack of Premier League experience for Tchouameni, pointing to the player's pedigree at the highest level. "This boy has been playing in Europe, in the Champions League for years. He's a top player, an international player, been in big tournaments," Butt noted. He praised the midfielder's all-around attributes, calling him "a beast of a player" who is "getting into his prime."
Butt's scepticism over Real Madrid's willingness to negotiate aligns with reporting from other sources. Reputed transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has also indicated that the Spanish club is not currently open to a sale. Tchouameni has been a regular starter for Carlo Ancelotti's side this season, forming a key part of a midfield that also features Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde.
For Manchester United, the pursuit highlights the calibre of player the club is aiming for as it looks to rebuild its midfield. With Michael Carrick, the current interim manager, reportedly in pole position for the permanent job, identifying and securing primary targets will be a crucial early task. While a move for Tchouameni appears improbable, the continued links underscore the scale of United's ambition in the upcoming transfer window.
