Aurelien Tchouameni will sign a new contract with Real Madrid, extending his stay at the club until June 2031, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano and multiple other sources. This development effectively ends Manchester United’s pursuit of the French midfielder, who had been identified as a key target.
Reports surfaced in April, via TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, that Manchester United were interested in signing Tchouameni in the summer of 2026, and had been in contact with his representatives. Romano subsequently stated that Tchouameni was United’s “dream” defensive midfielder, and recent reports suggested the club were preparing a bid, contingent on the player’s willingness to leave Madrid.
However, the arrival of Jose Mourinho as Real Madrid manager appears to have been a pivotal factor in the change of events. Mourinho reportedly made it clear he wanted Tchouameni to remain at the club, particularly with Los Blancos not actively pursuing alternatives in defensive midfield such as Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez or Manchester City’s Rodri.
Romano confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that all agreements are in place for a contract extension until 2031, stating that Manchester United’s pursuit never came close due to the high salary demands and Real Madrid’s unwillingness to consider a sale. Ben Jacobs reported that Tchouameni will earn €13 million net annually, making him one of Real Madrid’s highest earners. French outlet RMC Sport also confirmed the agreement between the player and the club.
Tchouameni joined Real Madrid in 2022 from Monaco, quickly establishing himself as a key player in the midfield. The 24-year-old has also become a regular feature in the French national team, currently participating in the 2026 World Cup. His decision to renew with Real Madrid provides stability to their midfield and closes a potential transfer saga for Manchester United, who will now need to refocus their efforts on alternative targets.
