Aurélien Tchouaméni Pushes United to Cut Wage Demands

**Aurélien Tchouaméni**’s transfer saga took a sharp turn on 7 July 2026 when Manchester United signalled they would only proceed if the French midfielder trimmed his £350,000‑a‑week wage demand, the same level that former Real Madrid star Casemiro earned.

United’s owners, INEOS, have been pruning a bloated payroll after letting Casemiro and Jadon Sancho leave. The club recently missed out on Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, prompting a shift toward a marquee name with proven European pedigree. Tchouaméni, 26, fits that bill, but his salary expectations clash with United’s new fiscal discipline.

The Sun reported that Tchouaméni’s weekly wage would mirror Casemiro’s £350,000 figure from his 2022 £60 million move to Old Trafford. United’s board, wary of repeating that outlay, has publicly hinted they won’t meet the demand. The Frenchman’s camp, however, remains firm, insisting the figure reflects his Champions League winner status and recent performances for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s interim manager José Mourinho is reportedly eager to retain the French international, adding another layer of complexity. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s boss Xabi Alonso has been linked to the midfielder, hoping to reunite him with former teammate and fellow Frenchman. The tug‑of‑war underscores how Tchouaméni’s wage tag is shaping the broader market.

Analysts suggest United might need to sweeten the deal with performance‑based bonuses or a staggered payment plan. If the Red Devils refuse, the midfielder could head to a club willing to meet his terms, potentially reshaping the Premier League midfield landscape. The next few weeks will reveal whether United can reconcile their wage‑reduction policy with the ambition to land a player of Tchouaméni’s calibre.

Sources close to the negotiations say a final offer is expected before the end of the transfer window on 31 August 2026. Until then, United fans will watch the headlines, hoping the club can balance financial prudence with on‑field aspirations.

**Key figures:**

- Wage demand: £350,000 per week (same as Casemiro’s 2022 deal)

- Age: 26

- Current club: Real Madrid

- Potential rivals: Chelsea, Manchester United

The outcome will likely influence how top clubs approach high‑salary midfield targets in an increasingly cost‑conscious era.