Tchouameni signs new Real Madrid deal to end Manchester United's £50m pursuit

Aurélien Tchouameni has signed a new five-year contract with Real Madrid, closing the door on Manchester United’s pursuit of the France international midfielder. The 26-year-old’s renewal comes roughly a month after José Mourinho returned to the Bernabéu as head coach.

According to RMC Sport, Tchouameni was determined to stay in the Spanish capital despite receiving approaches from other clubs, with United among the most notable suitors. Although speculation had suggested Real Madrid might consider cashing in on the former Monaco man, tying him down to a fresh deal was described as a priority for the club.

The news broke within hours of United finalising a £50m agreement with Chelsea for Andrey Santos, whose medical was scheduled for Thursday. Santos is one of several midfield targets United have tracked this summer, alongside Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, Felix Nmecha, and Sander Berge. Goalkeeper Ederson is also set to undergo a medical following Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup.

United’s need in central midfield has grown more pressing after Manuel Ugarte picked up an injury during the tournament, leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the club’s only fit senior option in that position. The situation may compel the club to recruit a third midfielder before the window closes. United had already been priced out of moves for both Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes earlier in the summer.

Mourinho will retain Tchouameni alongside Real Madrid’s four summer signings, though only one of those new arrivals is a midfielder. Bernardo Silva, who joined the club this window, is not expected to compete directly with Tchouameni for a starting berth.

Real Madrid also moved to publicly dismiss reports linking them with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, releasing an official club statement that categorically denied any direct or indirect approach for the Argentina international and confirmed they had no intention of pursuing such a deal.