# Manchester United midfield rebuild status > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/real-madrids-transfer-market-activity-and-internal-trainingground-clash > Updated: 2026-08-09T12:39:16.000Z. Sources: 170. Developments: 24. Manchester United’s midfield overhaul, launched in July 2026 with the debut of Andrey Santos, has focused on replacing Casemiro. Early efforts involved monitoring Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni, who the Spanish club repeatedly refused to sell. As the summer progressed, negotiations fluctuated. In late July, reports suggested Real Madrid might accept a £68 million deal for Tchouaméni to fund other transfers, but the club eventually prioritized retaining him. In July 2026, Tchouaméni signed a contract extension with Real Madrid until 2031, effectively ending United's pursuit of the Frenchman. Despite missing out on Tchouaméni, United successfully bolstered their squad by completing the signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48 million and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa on 1 August. Management under Michael Carrick has since pivoted to other potential targets, including Alex Scott, Manu Koné, and Carlos Baleba, while managing the squad through a pre-season campaign that included a 1-0 defeat to Wrexham in Helsinki. Following Casemiro's move to Inter Miami, the club continues to shape its central core, with Santos and Tielemans established as key components of the new midfield structure. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-09: Andrey Santos joins Manchester United from Chelsea for £48m Andrey Santos has completed a £48m move from Chelsea to Manchester United, aiming to replace Casemiro in the midfield and win trophies under manager Michael Carrick. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andrey-santos-joins-manchester-united-from-chelsea-for-48m ### 2026-08-01: Manchester United bolsters midfield with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans Manchester United sign Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to strengthen midfield after Casemiro's departure, with both featuring in pre‑season matches. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-bolsters-midfield-with-andrey-santos-and-youri-tielemans ### 2026-07-26: Manchester United near £68 million deal for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni Real Madrid are willing to sell Aurelien Tchouameni for £68 m, helping fund a Rodri move, as Manchester United push to secure the midfielder to replace Casemiro. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-near-68-million-deal-for-real-madrid-midfielder-aurelien-tchouameni ### 2026-07-18: Manchester United's pre‑season loss to Wrexham fuels squad and transfer debate United lost 1‑0 to Wrexham in Helsinki, Carrick praised Santos and young prospects, while Rashford's future and further midfield targets dominate transfer talk. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-coach-carrick-praises-youngsters-after-loss-to-wrexham ### 2026-07-16: Manchester United defeated 1-0 by Wrexham in Helsinki pre‑season friendly Manchester United lost 1‑0 to Wrexham in a Helsinki pre‑season friendly, with Sam Smith scoring; new signing Andrey Santos debuted amid several senior absences. 39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-eyes-costly-midfield-overhaul-amid-transfer-trap-concerns ### 2026-07-14: Manchester United push midfield overhaul with Santos, Tielemans and Alex Scott target Manchester United have signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, target Alex Scott for midfield, and face high prices and other options as they reshape the squad under Michael Carrick. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-targets-tchouamni-martnez-linked-with-atltico-madrid ### 2026-07-10: Real Madrid secures Aurélien Tchouaméni with contract extension to 2031 Aurélien Tchouaméni signs a contract extension with Real Madrid until 2031, ending Premier League interest and influencing the club’s midfield plans. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-locks-down-aurelien-tchouameni-with-new-longterm-contract ### 2026-07-08: Real Madrid rejects Manchester United €120M bid for Tchouaméni and parts ways with NBA veteran Alex Len Real Madrid turned down Manchester United’s €120 M offer for Aurélien Tchouaméni and extended his contract, while also ending the stint of former NBA center Alex Len. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-rejects-manchester-united-120m-bid-for-tchouamni-and-parts-ways-with-nba-veteran-alex-le ### 2026-07-06: Real Madrid secures Aurélien Tchouaméni until 2031, spurning Manchester United bid Aurélien Tchouaméni extends his Real Madrid contract to 2031 with a €13 million salary, while the club rejects Manchester United’s €100‑plus million offer. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-eyes-real-madrid-midfielder-aurelien-tchouameni-for-100m-bid ### 2026-07-04: Enzo Fernandez Transfer Saga: Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid React Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea’s Argentine midfielder, is linked with Arsenal and Manchester City, while Real Madrid denies any interest; his contract runs to 2031 with a €140 million price tag. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/enzo-fernandez-transfer-saga-chelsea-arsenal-manchester-city-and-real-madrid-react ### 2026-07-04: Real Madrid's Mourinho decides to keep Aurelien Tchouameni, snubbing Liverpool and Man United Jose Mourinho confirms Aurelien Tchouameni will stay at Real Madrid, ending Liverpool and Manchester United's interest in the French midfielder. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-to-keep-aurelien-tchouameni-as-mourinho-shuts-out-liverpool-and-man-united ### 2026-07-03: Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez linked with Manchester City and Arsenal Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is being pursued by Manchester City and Arsenal, both aware Real Madrid are not interested; Chelsea may ask for £120 million as his contract runs to 2032. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-midfielder-enzo-fernandez-linked-with-manchester-city-and-arsenal ### 2026-07-03: Manchester United's bid for Aurelien Tchouameni hampered by Real Madrid's stance Real Madrid says it will keep Aurelien Tchouameni, limiting Manchester United's pursuit of the midfielder after United missed out on other targets. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-uniteds-bid-for-aurelien-tchouameni-hampered-by-real-madrids-stance ### 2026-07-01: Manchester United persist in bid for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni Manchester United are still targeting Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, with the club reportedly holding back funds for a potential £100 m deal, while Madrid say the midfielder is not for sale. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-persist-in-bid-for-real-madrid-midfielder-aurelien-tchouameni ### 2026-06-26: Enzo Fernandez transfer to Real Madrid drives Premier League ripple effects Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is linked with a €120 m Real Madrid move, prompting interest from other Premier League clubs and replacement talks. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/enzo-fernandez-transfer-to-real-madrid-drives-premier-league-ripple-effects ### 2026-06-23: Chelsea pursues Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni Real Madrid may sell midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni as Chelsea, urged by Xabi Alonso, negotiate a €80 million deal, while Manchester United also shows interest. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-pursues-real-madrid-midfielder-aurlien-tchouamni ### 2026-06-17: Real Madrid restructures midfield with Enzo Fernández target and Tchouaméni sale Real Madrid, under Jose Mourinho, targets Enzo Fernández from Chelsea while listing Aurélien Tchouaméni for sale, aiming to revamp its midfield. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-restructures-midfield-with-enzo-fernndez-target-and-tchouamni-sale ### 2026-06-13: Manchester City evaluates midfield signings of Elliot Anderson and Enzo Fernández Manchester City weighs signing Elliot Anderson for £130 m, amid Kyle Walker’s concerns about Rodri, while also eyeing Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, whose £120 m price tag may be prohibitive. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-evaluates-midfield-signings-of-elliot-anderson-and-enzo-fernndez ### 2026-06-11: Manchester City scales back pursuit of Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez Manchester City has withdrawn from a £120 m bid for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, keeping Elliot Anderson as primary target and scouting other costly midfield options amid compensation talks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-city-scales-back-pursuit-of-chelseas-enzo-fernandez ### 2026-06-10: Chelsea pursues midfield signings including Lucas Bergvall and Enzo Fernández Chelsea are scouting Tottenham’s 20‑year‑old Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall and have set a €120 million price tag for Argentine Enzo Fernández, whom Real Madrid also pursue. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chelsea-pursues-midfield-signings-including-lucas-bergvall-and-enzo-fernndez ### 2026-06-09: Real Madrid blocks Manchester United’s bid for Aurélien Tchouaméni Jose Mourinho says Real Madrid will keep French midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, rejecting Manchester United’s interest. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-blocks-manchester-uniteds-bid-for-aurlien-tchouamni ### 2026-05-25: Manchester United name Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni as dream summer target Manchester United have named Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni their dream summer target, while also courting Atalanta’s Ederson amid expected midfield exits and Champions League funding. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/manchester-united-name-real-madrid-midfielder-aurelien-tchouameni-as-dream-summer-target ### 2026-05-10: Real Madrid midfielders Tchouaméni and Valverde attract summer interest from top clubs Real Madrid midfielders Tchouaméni stays put; Valverde targeted by Chelsea, while Manchester United interest fades. 52 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-keeps-aurlien-tchouamni-as-manchester-united-and-psg-rumors-fade ### 2026-04-29: Real Madrid stands firm on Tchouameni amid Manchester United interest Real Madrid stands firm on keeping Tchouameni amid Manchester United interest and views him as essential to its future. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-stands-firm-on-tchouameni-amid-manchester-united-interest --- Cite as: Manchester United midfield rebuild status. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/real-madrids-transfer-market-activity-and-internal-trainingground-clash