José Mourinho has reportedly made his position clear on Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde as he continues to reshape the Real Madrid squad. Despite the serious incident that occurred between the two midfielders last season, the Portuguese coach is not expected to allow the dispute alone to determine their futures at the club.

Both players remain important options in Mourinho's plans for the new campaign, although Tchouaméni's situation has attracted particular attention amid interest from other European clubs.

Mourinho Wants to Keep Tchouaméni

Tchouaméni has emerged as one of the midfielders Mourinho considers important to the balance of his new Real Madrid side.

The French international offers the defensive presence that the Portuguese coach typically values in the center of the pitch. His ability to operate as a holding midfielder also gives Mourinho a natural option for protecting the defense while allowing more creative players to move forward.

Reports in recent weeks had linked Tchouaméni with a possible departure, including interest from Manchester United. However, Mourinho has reportedly opposed selling the midfielder and wants him to remain part of the squad.

That stance has been reinforced by developments surrounding the player's contract. Tchouaméni was reported to have reached an agreement on a new deal with Real Madrid in July, another indication that the club sees him as part of its longer-term plans.

Valverde's Future Also Changes Direction

Federico Valverde's situation has been less straightforward.

The Uruguay international was previously linked with a possible exit after a difficult 2025/26 campaign and the controversy surrounding his confrontation with Tchouaméni. Some reports even claimed that Mourinho initially wanted the club to explore a sale.

However, later reports indicated that Mourinho had changed his position and did not want Valverde sold.

The midfielder's versatility is an important factor. Valverde can contribute centrally, cover large areas of the pitch and provide additional energy to the team. Those qualities make him particularly useful to a coach attempting to build a more balanced and physically demanding midfield.

Mourinho therefore appears increasingly inclined to retain the Uruguayan rather than allow the previous controversy to dictate his transfer status.

The Tchouaméni-Valverde Incident Is No Longer Decisive

The relationship between the two players became one of the biggest stories surrounding Real Madrid last season after their confrontation at the club's training ground.

The incident resulted in Valverde suffering a head injury and being taken to hospital. Real Madrid subsequently opened disciplinary proceedings against both players.

The club later imposed a €500,000 financial penalty on each midfielder after they expressed regret and apologized to one another as well as to the club, their teammates, coaching staff and supporters.

The situation has since moved on. Tchouaméni later confirmed that he and Valverde had reconciled, saying they shook hands when Valverde returned and continued working together.

That reconciliation appears to have helped remove one of the major obstacles surrounding their continued partnership.

Why Mourinho Needs Both Midfielders

Real Madrid's midfield has undergone significant changes during the summer, making experienced players such as Tchouaméni and Valverde particularly valuable.

The club has also added Bernardo Silva, while Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler provide Mourinho with further options. The Portuguese coach is therefore expected to have considerable flexibility when selecting his midfield combinations.

Tchouaméni's defensive qualities can provide structure behind the more attack-minded players, while Valverde offers intensity, mobility and the ability to contribute in several positions.

Their contrasting qualities could allow Mourinho to change the team's shape depending on the opponent without needing to make major personnel changes.

Manchester United Interest Adds Another Layer

Tchouaméni's situation has attracted particular attention because of reported interest from Manchester United.

The English club has been searching for additional midfield options and has previously identified the Frenchman as a potential target. Real Madrid, however, have shown reluctance to part with him, particularly while Mourinho considers the composition of his midfield.

For now, there is no indication that Real Madrid are actively looking to force Tchouaméni out. His reported contract renewal further strengthens the impression that the club intends to keep him.

Mourinho's Midfield Taking Shape

The decision over Tchouaméni and Valverde is part of a wider restructuring under Mourinho.

Real Madrid have already made several significant changes to the squad, and the Portuguese coach is expected to rely on a mixture of established stars and new arrivals as he attempts to restore consistency.

Rather than allowing last season's internal problems to dictate the future, Mourinho appears to be judging his midfielders primarily on what they can contribute on the pitch.

For Tchouaméni and Valverde, that means the focus can now shift back toward football. Their previous confrontation remains part of the club's recent history, but it is unlikely to determine their roles in Mourinho's Real Madrid project.

With the new season approaching, both midfielders are expected to have an opportunity to prove their importance to the coach — this time with their futures seemingly much clearer.