Manchester United are said to have made a major attempt to sign a top Real Madrid midfielder, reportedly submitting a €90 million offer that included an upfront €70 million plus an additional €20 million in performance-related add-ons. However, according to dramatic claims from Spain, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez did more than simply decline the proposal — he is believed to have dismissed the entire idea immediately.
United’s long-term plan to overhaul their midfield ahead of the 2026 season is already widely known. With Casemiro expected to depart and Bruno Fernandes potentially leaving if a significant offer comes in, the club is preparing for a major reconstruction phase. Even if Fernandes remains at Old Trafford, the squad still lacks dynamism, pushing the club to search for new, influential midfield options.
One report from Spanish outlet Fichajes alleges that Aurelien Tchouameni is among United’s main targets and that the club tested Real Madrid’s resolve with the aforementioned bid. But Madrid view the 25-year-old French midfielder as integral to their long-term project and were unwilling to even consider negotiations. Pérez is said to have rejected talks instantly, making it clear Tchouameni is not for sale.
Despite the noise surrounding this rumour, Fichajes’ history of overstated transfer claims raises doubts about its credibility. While United do admire Tchouameni, more trusted sources suggest the club’s true priorities lie elsewhere.
Insiders report that United are instead focusing on three Premier League midfielders they intend to sign across upcoming transfer windows: Carlos Baleba, Elliot Anderson, and Adam Wharton. Baleba, who Brighton value at around £100 million, is already on United’s radar and is believed to be increasingly receptive to a move. United intend to return for him in one of the 2026 windows, although Brighton’s high asking price will be a major challenge.
Anderson and Wharton together are estimated to cost around £150 million, with Wharton also attracting strong interest from rival clubs. Despite that, United remain determined to secure all three, seeing them as key components of a long-term plan to rebuild the centre of the pitch.
Beyond midfield reinforcements, United are monitoring a promising young Belgian talent currently playing for Ajax, though Premier League rivals are also in the race. The club is keeping tabs on Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo as well, but Liverpool are thought to be ahead in that pursuit.
While not every rumour stands up to scrutiny, one thing is clear: United are fully committed to reshaping their midfield for the future.
