Liverpool must act fast: Man United ready to steal most-wanted star | OneFootball

Liverpool are going to have to be quick here. Manchester United are looking to steal a long-term target.

It was reported on Tuesday by the Telegraph that Manchester United were looking to sign Aurelien Tchouameni. Wednesday has seen more reporting on that, with BBC Sport claiming he’s wanted by the club.

Speculation is growing that Tchouameni could leave Real Madrid this summer, especially as they hope to sign Rodri from Manchester City. Their UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich has brought about calls for a bit of an overhaul, particularly in midfield.

And so it sounds as though Tchouameni may end up being available here. United seem to think so, moving him up their shortlist.

Tchouameni confirmed those talks himself, in fact, and Liverpool have continued to be linked ever since. They’ve viewed him as the ideal defensive midfielder.

However, they haven’t really used a sitting midfielder under Arne Slot. It seems the timing is off for a deal in 2026 as Liverpool don’t quite have the same need for such a player.

And so they’ve got to make a decision quickly. Do they want that kind of player? Can they adapt their team for Tchouameni?

Honestly, it feels like the team is crying out for a new defensive midfielder as they sorely lack an ability to win the ball back through the middle. Tchouameni would fix that.

But consider this one for too long and the opportunity will disappear. Even worse, he’ll head to United.

Aurelien Tchouameni: Situation Summary

Real Madrid Consistency and Performance

As of 22 April 2026, Aurélien Tchouaméni remains a cornerstone of the Real Madrid midfield. The 26-year-old has been arguably Los Blancos' most consistent performer this season, recording one goal and maintaining a 91.4% pass completion rate across 2,314 minutes of La Liga action. Statistically, he ranks in the 91st percentile for aerial duels won and 83rd for defensive contributions among European midfielders. Most recently, he was declared fit for the upcoming clash with Elche after recovering from a heavy blow to his ankle sustained during a Champions League fixture against Manchester City in March.

Transfer Shortlist and Manchester United Interest

Despite his integral role at the Bernabéu, Tchouaméni’s future is subject to growing speculation as he enters the final two years of his contract. Reports on 21 April 2026 confirm that Manchester United have placed him on their "shortlist of candidates" to replace the outgoing Casemiro this summer. While Real Madrid have shown no official intention to sell, United co-owners INEOS believe that Madrid’s pursuit of Manchester City’s Rodri could "open the door" for a deal. Valued at approximately €68.4 million, Tchouaméni is also being monitored by Liverpool and Arsenal as part of a projected midfield reshuffle in the Spanish capital.