Why Jadon Sancho could play 'crucial' role in Man Utd’s bid to sign Aurelien Tchouameni

Jadon Sancho is expected to leave Manchester United in the summer, a move that could play a 'crucial' role in the club's bid to sign Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid.

Tchouameni has been named on United's shortlist of candidates to replace Casemiro, who confirmed in January that he will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old, who has made 45 appearances for Los Blancos across the 2025-26 campaign, is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe and will likely play a prominent role for France at this summer's World Cup.

Whether Madrid will cash in on Tchouameni is unclear, but given their poor performances of late – which will likely prompt a host of changes in the upcoming transfer window – they could be open to a deal.

Sancho, meanwhile, has given his approval in principle for a return to Borussia Dortmund.

That's according to Sky's Florian Plettenberg, who claims there have been concrete talks regarding a move back to the Westfalenstadion, with Sancho being open to rejoining his former club on a free transfer.

Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has also given the green light internally.

Sancho is keen on a return to Borussia Dortmund, according to reports. Image credit: Getty

As mentioned above, United will not receive a fee for Sancho, who is expected to leave Old Trafford when his £300,000 per week contract expires at the end of June, but his departure will free up United's wage bill.

That means Sancho's exit could prove to be 'crucial' in United's bid to bring Tchouameni to Manchester, according to Football Transfers, with the Frenchman earning an annual salary of €12 million (£10.4m) at Real Madrid.

United's wage bill is one of the biggest in Europe but the departures of Sancho, Casemiro and potentially Marcus Rashford could allow the club to make some big moves.

In total, United want to make four summer signings – two midfielders, an experienced striker and a left-back, report The Athletic.

Who else is on Manchester United's radar?

As mentioned above, United are keen on signing two midfielders.

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is highly regarded at Old Trafford, with the player having been of interest to the club last summer. United see the Cameroon international as a good fit after analysing his passing, ground coverage and possession-winning data.

United value the player at £50 million, almost half of Brighton’s previous valuation of £100 million.

The club are also monitoring Spurs centre-back Micky van de Ven as they search for a left-footed centre-back with Champions League experience to complement Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro, as well as Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez.

Van de Ven is contracted to Spurs until 2029 but given his reputation, he would be unlikely to stay at the North London club if they were relegated to the Championship.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson also features on United’s list of midfield targets, although Evangelos Marinakis believes the player is worth as much as £125 million, a price that may cause a snag in potential negotiations.

Manchester City are reportedly the player’s favoured destination at this time, with a move potentially hinging on whether Rodri joins Real Madrid this summer.

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also highly thought of at Old Trafford, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes and Wolves’ João Gomes have also been observed by United. However, a deal for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali seems unlikely.