According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United may be rethinking their midfield transfer targets, potentially switching from Aurelien Tchouaméni to Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan midfielder was involved in a dressing-room altercation that left him with a concussion, requiring hospitalization and ending his season. Valverde has since issued a public apology, but reports suggest Real Madrid’s hierarchy are disappointed with his conduct as vice-captain and are considering selling him this summer.
Key figures in the Real Madrid dressing room have reportedly rallied behind Tchouaméni, pushing for Valverde’s departure. United are closely monitoring the situation at the Santiago Bernabéu, hoping to exploit the turmoil. Casemiro famously made the same switch from Madrid to Old Trafford and made a significant impact. The Red Devils have shown interest in several Madrid midfielders, including Tchouaméni, Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga. Tchouaméni remains United’s top priority, but the French defensive midfielder is reluctant to leave Real Madrid, especially after the club supported him during the conflict.
As for Valverde, it remains unclear whether he would be open to a move to Manchester. Bayern Munich and Liverpool are also linked with the 27-year-old, who is under contract until 2029 and would command a substantial fee. Valverde is certain to be included in Uruguay’s World Cup squad this summer, where he would partner Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte in midfield.
Ugarte, who is on United’s list of players to be sold, will directly influence the club’s summer plans. United aim to sign at least two midfielders, but if Ugarte is successfully offloaded, they could activate a third signing. The 25-year-old has started only 10 matches this season, winning just one, losing six, and drawing three. Under Premier League PSR regulations, United need to generate a fee of £25.8 million for Ugarte to avoid a book loss, having paid €60 million (£52 million) to sign him.
Fans hope this summer will finally address the persistent issues in midfield that have plagued the club since the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s era. However, it won’t be easy, especially as United have yet to finalize their top target to replace Casemiro. Carlos Baleba, who agreed personal terms with the club last year, remains United’s most realistic signing. The 22-year-old Cameroonian, however, is not seen as another Casemiro but more as an upgraded version of Ugarte.
Eder Militao? No – the Brazilian midfielder Ederson Silva of Atalanta has been heavily linked with United. The 26-year-old is a genuine option for rotation, though sources deny any agreement has been reached, and United have yet to open talks with Atalanta. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs said: “The relationship between Ederson and United remains interesting. It is too early to talk about an agreement or a bid. United are ready to sign at least two midfielders, and Ederson is among a few real targets. However, considering his contract has only one year left, Atalanta’s €45 million asking price is considered too high.”