Jose Mourinho would reportedly be willing to facilitate Aurelien Tchouameni’s exit if it meant signing Mateus Fernandes this summer.
Manchester United are interested in both midfielders ahead of their overhaul in the centre of the park this transfer window.
Mateus Fernandes: The state of play
As things stand, Real Madrid are said to be well aware that the Red Devils are ‘frontrunners’ for Fernandes after holding positive talks with the player and his camp in recent weeks.
The 21-year-old is fully open to a switch to Old Trafford, where he can continue developing his game in the Premier League following West Ham’s relegation.
| Appearances | Starts | Goal contributions | Minutes played |
| 72 | 69 | 13 | 5,948 |
FERNANDES’ COMPLETE PL RECORD (TRANSFERMARKT)
INEOS are, however, keen admirers of Tchouameni, so may be enticed by the idea of bringing in the more experienced option of their two targets.
Would United rather sign Tchouameni over Fernandes?
Mourinho is plotting a rebuild of his own at the Santiago Bernabeu after just completing a shock return to his former club, which saw him terminate his Benfica tenure prematurely.
Tchouameni is about to enter the penultimate season of his contract with the European giants, hence being tipped for a move elsewhere if it looks as though he wouldn’t agree to new terms.
Real Madrid respond immediately with an exquisite finish from Aurelien Tchouameni 🔥@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/uKDAL8bDi0
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 25, 2026
Madrid are navigating uncharted territory on the back of 2025/2026, as it marked a second successive trophyless campaign. Several members of the squad will be sacrificed, and the 26-year-old might be one who’s deemed surplus to requirements.
What one journalist is hearing about Fernandes/Tchouameni
“What I’m saying is that if Real Madrid keeps Tchouameni and Manchester United signs Mateus Fernandes, the player Mourinho really wanted was Mateus Fernandes,” said Spanish journalist Ruben Martin this week, as cited by Sport Witness.
“So, you’re closing the door on yourself if you don’t sell Tchouameni to United. If you sell him, you’ll recoup some money and be able to sign the player Mourinho wants.”
Reports have previously stated that Los Blancos would demand around £70 million for the French international, who’s currently representing his nation at the World Cup.
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