Report: What It Would Cost Manchester United to Sign Tchouaméni! Real Madrid's Price Tag Exceeds £100 Million, Plus Wages Total £180 Million – Ratcliffe Unlikely to Approve

Manchester United and its supporters alike are eager for the team to land Real Madrid's holding midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni in the upcoming transfer window. Yet, it is unrealistic to think that landing this 26-year-old France international would be straightforward. Considering the costs and circumstances surrounding the transfers of Elliott Anderson and Matheus Fernandes, Real Madrid will not offer a bargain even if they decide to part with Tchouaméni.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano explained: "From a technical standpoint, Manchester United are very keen on Tchouaméni. They see him as an outstanding player and are eager to sign him. The two issues surrounding Tchouaméni's transfer remain unchanged."

Romano further noted that the obstacles to signing Tchouaméni are the transfer fee and wages, which are no different from those of M. Fernandes and Anderson. "One difficulty is Tchouaméni's salary. His wages are very high, and at present, Manchester United cannot bear that financial burden. It should also be noted that, so far, Real Madrid has not indicated they are willing to let Tchouaméni leave. Neither Manchester United nor the player's agent has received any message from Real Madrid suggesting he could be allowed to go. If there is a genuine possibility of a transfer, Manchester United will try to understand the specifics because they truly admire Tchouaméni. But the problem is his salary, and Real Madrid still hasn't said they will sell."

The Athletic reports that Real Madrid might consider offers for Tchouaméni, but not any bid will be accepted. According to Real Madrid outlet Defensacentral, the club does not view Tchouaméni as a player they are actively looking to sell, so they will only consider offers above £103 million!

According to Transfermarkt's valuation, Tchouaméni's current market value is €70 million (about £60 million), and his contract with Real Madrid runs until 2028. For comparison, M. Fernandes is valued at €50 million (£43 million) by Transfermarkt, but West Ham demanded £85 million; Anderson is valued at €75 million (£65 million), yet Nottingham Forest sold him to Manchester City for £116 million. Both saw premiums of around 1.8 to 1.9 times. If Real Madrid asks for £103 million for Tchouaméni, that's a 1.7x premium, which actually follows the "market price"!

Tchouaméni's weekly wage at Real Madrid is €240,000, equivalent to £210,000 per week in Premier League terms. However, in England, the tax rate for high earners rises to 50%, higher than Spain's 40%. Therefore, if Tchouaméni's salary were converted to Premier League terms, it would be equivalent to £250,000 per week.

If Manchester United wants to attract Tchouaméni, they will have to offer a pay raise, conservatively estimated at over £300,000 per week. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs claims this is within Manchester United's affordability. That may indeed be true, but such a wage is something Sir Jim Ratcliffe hopes to avoid. Because a high-priced player arriving with top-tier treatment and salary could cause unrest in the dressing room, as other teammates may demand similar compensation.

For Tchouaméni alone, the transfer fee plus the total wages over a five-year contract would cost Manchester United around £180 million. Owner Ratcliffe is unlikely to agree to such an expenditure.

Of course, it's no secret that Manchester United and those around the club dream of getting Tchouaméni. Legend Rio Ferdinand said that if Tchouaméni transfers, there should be only one destination: Manchester United. "Even if Tchouaméni has the slightest thought of leaving Real Madrid, Manchester United must be the first club to contact him, ensuring he doesn't engage with any other team!" Ferdinand said. "Get him to sign, seal the deal, and submit the paperwork. I've spoken with Tchouaméni a few times, and he knows he also watches my show. Right now, I'm looking at you through the camera. Remember, only one club is right for you."

Ferdinand continued his recruitment: "If you want to leave Real Madrid, then Manchester United is a good choice. United is a great place. If you really want to come, call me, and I'll help you make it happen."