Desailly backs Tchouameni to follow Varane's path in £85m Manchester United move

Marcel Desailly has urged Aurelien Tchouameni to join Manchester United this summer, as reports from Spain indicate club officials are preparing to travel to Madrid to open talks over a deal that Real Madrid value at more than £85 million.

The former France and Chelsea defender pointed to Raphael Varane’s 2021 move from the Bernabéu to Old Trafford as evidence that the transition can work. “I’m sure Aurelien Tchouaméni would move to the Premier League, and Manchester United is still a massive club; a massive name,” Desailly told sportscasting.com. “He had a difficult season, but at least he shows leadership. That’s why when you talk about Konaté or Tchouaméni, I’ll always choose Tchouaméni because of his desire.”

Desailly added: “I believe that he has that little bit of leadership and the desire to bring the team all together. So it could be a good move for him, just like when Raphaël Varane swapped Madrid for Manchester back in the day. So why not? I would encourage him to go for it and try the Premier League.”

Varane joined United for approximately £41 million and went on to make 95 appearances, winning both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his spell at the club. Casemiro followed the same route from Madrid a year later, making 160 appearances and contributing 26 goals and 14 assists before departing this summer — a departure widely credited with sparking United’s interest in Tchouameni as a direct replacement.

Diario AS reports that Real Madrid will not sanction a sale below £85 million, meaning United face a significant outlay to land the 26-year-old France international. Tchouameni is said to be keen to remain in Spain, but the existing transfer relationship between the two clubs could help smooth negotiations.

Manager Michael Carrick is also understood to be close to completing the £35 million signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, which would represent United’s first major addition of the window. With his first full season as permanent manager approaching, Carrick is expected to push for further reinforcements once that deal is finalised.