Mourinho Ends Speculation: Tchouameni to Remain at Real Madrid

The hopes of Liverpool and Manchester United signing Aurelien Tchouameni have been extinguished, with Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho making clear his intention to retain the French midfielder.

Both Premier League clubs had been persistently linked with the 26-year-old defensive midfielder, who is currently part of France's 2026 World Cup squad. Back in mid-June, reports suggested Liverpool harboured genuine optimism about striking a deal, whilst United also expressed keen interest in the Madrid and France international.

The uncertainty surrounding Mourinho's plans for the player—newly installed as Madrid's manager—meant his decision remained very much up in the air. Now, however, the Portuguese coach has resolved matters decisively.

Mourinho has informed Tchouameni that he will be afforded a genuine opportunity to establish himself as a first-team regular next season, securing the midfielder's future in the Spanish capital. The former AS Monaco player, it's reported, has never actively pursued an exit and has consistently expressed his desire to prove himself at the Bernabeu. With Mourinho now prepared to offer him that platform, Tchouameni is expected to remain central to Madrid's plans.

The news represents a considerable setback for United in particular. Rio Ferdinand, speaking on his YouTube channel last month, had repeatedly urged his former club to move heaven and earth to secure Tchouameni as a successor to Casemiro. "If Tchouameni has a half a sniff of getting out of that club, Man Utd have to be the first team at the door knocking," Ferdinand had implored, adding: "Get him signed, sealed, delivered."

Interestingly, Madrid had been exploring midfield reinforcements during the summer window. Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and Manchester City's Rodri both appeared on the radar, though Los Blancos publicly dismissed any pursuit of Fernandez, whilst City remain unwilling to part with their Spanish maestro. With Tchouameni now staying put, Mourinho appears satisfied with his existing midfield resources.