Transfer Rumors: Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr U-Turn; Man Utd Make Tchouameni Bid - Sports Illustrated

What the report says

Sports Illustrated’s FC staff published a July 26, 2026 transfer-rumor roundup led by claims involving Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Citing Jorge C. Picón, SI reported that Real Madrid may no longer push for a summer sale of Vinícius if a contract extension is not agreed, instead keeping him while attempting to resolve talks during the season. The roundup also cited TEAMtalk and Fichajes for reported interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

On Tchouaméni, SI cited Fichajes in reporting that Manchester United are preparing a bid worth about $91 million, or £68 million, for the Real Madrid midfielder. A separate item attributed to The National said the player would be open to United if he falls out of Madrid’s plans. These items were presented as transfer gossip rather than confirmed negotiations or completed moves.

The Premier League section also included reported interest in Chelsea winger Pedro Neto from Manchester City and Liverpool, with CaughtOffside cited for a valuation near $91 million. SI attributed additional rumors to outlets including TEAMtalk, Tuttosport, Sky Sports News and RMC Sport, covering Bruno Guimarães, Francisco Conceição, Radek Vitek and PSG prospect Ibrahim Mbaye.

In Spain-related rumors, SI cited RMC Sport for Barcelona and PSG contact with Manchester City midfielder Rodri, amid Real Madrid interest. The roundup also said Barcelona do not want to sell Gerard Martín or Ferran Torres, according to named sources. The broader significance is that several elite clubs are being linked with major midfield and attacking targets as they shape squads for the coming season, though the claims remain unverified market reports.