Real Madrid reach agreement to extend midfield mainstay’s contract until 2031 amid Manchester United interest – Romano

Real Madrid reach agreement to extend midfield mainstay’s contract until 2031 amid Manchester United interest – Romano In a breaking report from  Fabrizio Romano , the transfer saga surrounding Aurelien Tchouameni has come to an abrupt end and the player is set to stay at Real Madrid. The French midfielder was long-linked with a departure from the club and extensively  linked with Manchester United  as their top target to replace Casemiro this summer. His sale was said to be the club’s means of getting a financial return to invest in a new name. Now, however, the player has agreed terms on a renewal with the club and there remains no doubt around where he will play next season. His new deal will run until 2031 and the formalities can be expected to be completed after the World Cup. The role of Mourinho While it is indeed an understandable decision for the club to keep Tchouameni, it is not only the player’s desire to stay that saw his renewal fall in place but also the manager’s insistence. Mourinho was instrumental in Tchouameni’s renewal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) Jose Mourinho reportedly personally asked the player to stay amid the transfer links and was a key factor in the entire process. He pushed hard for the player’s continuity and did not want him to leave this summer. After all, the Portuguese tactician considers Tchouameni to be the right profile for his plans – a fighter who is physically imposing and has an elite mentality. Set to be a key cog As part of his conversation with the player, Mourinho even reportedly assured the Frenchman that he would be a key player for him next season, virtually guaranteeing him a place in the starting XI. Set to be a starter. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) Needless to say, that implies Tchouameni will be the team’s starting defensive midfielder and that the club are unlikely to sign a new pivot player this summer. In fact, he will be one of the club’s top earners, with a salary of close to €13 million, as reported by  Ben Jacobs . The development also finalises Real Madrid’s midfield blueprint ahead of the new season, as all signs now point to Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham being fixed starters. Federico Valverde and Arda Guler are likely to be the next highest placed on the pecking order while Bernardo Silva is the latest addition and it remains to be seen where he slots in. Eduardo Camavinga, meanwhile, is edging closer to a departure. After Tchouameni’s renewal, his chances of leaving have grown manifold.