EPL Index
·20. November 2025
Report: Man United pushing to sign £79m Real Madrid star

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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·20. November 2025

Real Madrid have issued a message of absolute clarity to the market, rejecting a substantial offer for their influential French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni. According to Fichajes, Manchester United submitted a proposal worth “70 million fixed plus 20 in variables”, a total package of 90 million euros. Under normal circumstances, this is the type of bid that forces even a super club to pause. Yet Madrid’s position has been immediate and unequivocal. As the report states, “Real Madrid do not consider that sum sufficient to part with their defensive bulwark”.

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Madrid’s refusal to negotiate underscores their belief that the player is essential to the long term structure of the squad. The club view him as an irreplaceable part of their identity, with one senior source quoted as saying, “selling now would weaken a key element that brings balance, physical presence and intelligence”.
Fichajes describe Tchouaméni as a cornerstone of Madrid’s future, with Florentino Pérez unwilling to entertain offers of any kind. The report highlights the president’s stance that “he is part of the team’s backbone”, a sentiment strengthened by the coach Xabi Alonso, who has repeatedly emphasised the player’s tactical importance. Alonso considers him “an anchor who organises, corrects and gives defensive solidity”, ensuring that others in midfield can operate with more creativity and freedom.

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There is also a physical and psychological dimension. The player has shown maturity in high pressure moments, performing reliably in major matches. His leadership, described in the article as that of “a silent leader”, is recognised internally as essential to the dressing room’s balance.
Manchester United’s interest is long standing and persistent. Fichajes report that the club returned with “an aggressive strategy to seduce the footballer”, fully aware that strengthening midfield is a priority for their project. Their valuation reflects a belief that they are acquiring not just a talent, but a ready made centrepiece around whom a new era could be constructed.
However, even with serious intent from Old Trafford, Fichajes highlight that United “run into a wall at the Bernabéu”. Madrid’s conviction does not waver, and Pérez’s response signals that the player is simply not on the market. As the article stresses, “Madrid reaffirm their commitment” to their midfielder, projecting the message that keeping him is non negotiable.
Madrid consider him a long term strategic asset. He has proven capable of thriving in the most demanding fixtures, raising his level when the stakes are highest. For this reason, the club see him as a central pillar for years to come rather than a player whose value should be cashed in now. Fichajes suggest that “a renewal seems more probable than letting him leave”, and inside the club, the expectation is that he remains a key figure well into the future.

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United’s desire is strong, but Madrid’s stance is stronger. Their midfielder is not only vital to the present, he is an emblem of the club’s future.
For United fans, this report is both frustrating and familiar. Once again, the club have identified a midfielder of elite pedigree, only to discover that prising him away from a European superpower is an entirely different task. The offer of 70 million plus 20 in add ons shows genuine intent, but Madrid’s rejection sends a very clear message: he is integral to their long term vision.
Supporters will see the logic behind targeting Aurélien Tchouaméni. He fits exactly what United have lacked. Power, tactical discipline, ability to patrol large spaces and elevate his performance in big matches. The idea of pairing him with the emerging younger talents at Old Trafford feels transformative. This is not a speculative buy, it is a statement signing.
Yet the reality must be accepted. Madrid do not part with foundational pieces and the stance from Pérez is unmistakable. The quote that “he is part of the backbone” underlines a truth United fans know well. If a club like Madrid believe a player is central to the project, the door rarely opens.
Still, fans will hope this pursuit signals a shift in United’s ambition. If the current regime are actively targeting players of this calibre, it may reflect a willingness to build a midfield worthy of competing with Europe’s best. The frustration is obvious, but there is encouragement too. United are aiming high, and that matters.









































