Real Madrid ties Tchouaméni to 2031 contract, ending Manchester United pursuit

The agreement

Real Madrid and Aurélien Tchouaméni have reached an agreement on a contract extension through June 2031, according to multiple reports. The New York Times says the 26-year-old has already signed the new deal, while French and Spanish outlets describe the renewal as imminent. His previous contract was set to expire in 2028. The extension adds three seasons and cements his role as a long-term pillar of the project.

A non-negotiable asset

Despite persistent transfer rumours, Real Madrid never opened the door to a departure. La Razón reports that the club did not set a price or entertain offers, viewing Tchouaméni as irreplaceable in the current setup. Le Parisien notes that Manchester United had made him a priority target, but the Spanish side refused to negotiate. The arrival of José Mourinho as head coach did not alter the club's stance; the renewal is described as a strategic decision independent of the technical staff.

On the pitch

Tchouaméni joined Madrid from Monaco in 2022 for a fee reported between €80 million and over €100 million. He has made 195 appearances, scoring seven goals, and won the Champions League and La Liga in 2024. Last season he was the team's most decisive midfielder, according to La Razón, and regained his influence when moved back to defensive midfield after filling in at centre-back.

World Cup context

The midfielder is currently with France at the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He has played three of five matches so far, selected ahead of club teammate Eduardo Camavinga by Didier Deschamps. An adductor issue makes him doubtful for Thursday's quarter-final against Morocco in Boston. Ouest France reports he missed the round-of-16 win over Paraguay and only returned to training on 8 July.

Off-field incident

In May 2026, Tchouaméni was involved in two training-ground altercations with teammate Federico Valverde. The second incident left Valverde requiring hospital assessment for a head injury. Both players were fined €500,000 by the club, The New York Times reported.