(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Fri 24 April 2026 12:00, UK

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Manchester United may not be able to afford to sign Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni in the summer transfer window.

That’s the view of Keith Wyness, as the former Everton chief executive speaks to Football Insider, after Tchouameni was linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Real Madrid could be open to letting Tchouameni leave the club this summer, if a suitable offer arrives for the 26-year-old.

Man United are exploring their options as they look to upgrade their midfield in the transfer market and replace the departing Casemiro.

Whilst the club are on track to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 season, rising debt at Man United could dent their chances of making any big moves in this summer’s window.

Aurelien Tchouameni ‘not the right fit’ for Man United

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes Man United should prioritise signing proven Premier League stars.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks Tchouameni could take time to adapt to the Premier League, and may not be the character the club needs.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I don’t see Tchouameni as being the right fit just now.

“There are a few others, like Sandro Tonali, and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. There are a few others that might work better, and so Tchouameni is not the option I think they’re going to go for.

“United have got to look over their shoulder at the bank balance at the moment as well. There’s that debt, and they’ve got to be a little bit more careful than they have been in the past in terms of shopping. That would be a factor that I think he may be just a bit too expensive.

“Getting up to speed in the Premier League is an issue. While he looks great in La Liga, it’s a different thing from looking great in the Premier League. In midfield, it is a completely different nature of game, and playing at Real Madrid, he often can be made to look better with the players around him.

“At United, he could have to be a bit more of a leader, and I don’t know if that’s necessarily in his character. So I’m saying that’s a no for me, and I’d rather be going with existing Premier League experienced players.”

Man United to start contract talks with star player

In a bid to strengthen their midfield, the Red Devils are desperate to keep the influential Bruno Fernandes at the club.

Fernandes has again proved a vital player for Man United this season, contributing eight goals and 19 assists in all competitions.

Former chief scout at Old Trafford Mick Brown told Football Insider that Man United want to tie Fernandes down to a new deal before the World Cup begins in June.

Fernandes is set to star for Portugal at the tournament, and the 31-year-old has previously been heavily pursued by the Saudi Pro League.