Rio Ferdinand predicts Man Utd will chase £85m Tchouameni
Rio Ferdinand has predicted Manchester United will pivot to signing Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni after losing the race for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes. The former United defender believes INEOS are "holding the money back" for the £85m Frenchman and says the club cannot afford to miss him if Madrid make him available this summer.
Ferdinand's forecast lands as Michael Carrick's rebuild faces a defining midfield window. United held extensive talks for Fernandes, but Tottenham appear to have won the race by agreeing to meet West Ham's £85 million asking price.
Key Takeaways
- Rio Ferdinand believes United are saving funds specifically for Aurelien Tchouameni after missing out on Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham.
- Spurs agreed to pay West Ham's £85m valuation despite Fernandes previously favouring Old Trafford.
- Tchouameni, signed by Real Madrid from Monaco for £85m four years ago, is among United's top midfield targets.
- Reports suggest Madrid could sell the 26-year-old to help fund a move for Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez, costing around £120m.
- Fabrizio Romano has flagged wage demands and Madrid's reluctance as obstacles United cannot chase blindly.
Why did Rio Ferdinand predict Man Utd will target Tchouameni?
On his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said he woke up to news that Fernandes "could be going to Spurs" for around £80 million. He argued United and Arsenal will not overpay for players they do not value at listed prices.
"I'm going to put my neck on the line," Ferdinand said. "I think Man United are holding the money back for one man and that's Tchouameni." He added that if the France international becomes available, United "can't afford to miss that one." For broader trending coverage, see our True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries section.
What happened with Manchester United's Mateus Fernandes pursuit?
United's interest in Mateus Fernandes was serious. The West Ham midfielder, 21, had prioritised Old Trafford after the Hammers' relegation, but Tottenham stepped up with a verbal agreement and a salary package designed to beat United's offer.
Spurs are prepared to pay West Ham's £85m asking price, according to Metro. United remained reluctant to meet that valuation for a player signed from Southampton for £38m plus add-ons only a year ago.
Can United afford the Tchouameni transfer test?
Read Man Utd argues Tchouameni gives United a transfer test they cannot chase blindly. INEOS have reset the wage bill, and matching his Real Madrid salary was reportedly not part of United's plans.
Romano has described Tchouameni as United's internal "dream target" to replace Casemiro, but highlighted a "double problem": Madrid have yet to open doors to an exit, and the player's earnings remain substantial. United have agreed a deal for Atalanta's Ederson, while Manuel Ugarte's knee injury has complicated plans to raise funds.
Could Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez chase open the door?
Football365 reports Chelsea's situation could boost United's hopes. Spanish outlet Sport claims Real Madrid are considering selling Tchouameni to fund a move for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who could cost around 140 million euros (£120m).
The report stresses Tchouameni's departure is not imminent. However, if Madrid need to raise funds for a major midfield signing, his exit is an option "gaining traction." For Ferdinand, that window is one United must not waste.