Real Madrid Transfer News Roundup: Los Blancos plan Aurelien Tchouameni renewal, club monitoring Dutch ace, and more - September 5, 2025

Real Madrid have enjoyed a steady start under Xabi Alonso so far. The Spanish manager took over at the Santiago Bernabeu in May this year, and has won seven of his nine games in charge so far.

Meanwhile, Los Blancos are ready to tie Aurelien Tchouameni down to a new deal. Elsewhere, the LaLiga giants are keeping a close eye on a Dutch midfielder.

On that note, let's look at the major Real Madrid transfer stories from September 5, 2025.

Real Madrid plan Aurelien Tchouameni renewal

Aurelien Tchouameni could be in line for a new deal following a stellar start to the new campaign, says Defensa Central. The French midfielder has been a first team regular for Xabi Alonso since the Spanish manager's arrival at Real Madrid.

This season, Tchouameni has played every minute of the first three games, showing great composure and quality in the defensive midfield role. Los Blancos are pleased with his efforts and are planning to reward him with an improved contract.

The 25-year-old's current deal runs until 2028, and he has been linked with an exit from the Santiago Bernabeu in recent times. However, Tchouameni always wanted to stay and fight for his place with the LaLiga giants.

Real Madrid now consider him a key part of their plans. If the Frenchman continues his steady form this season, the club are likely to initiate renewal talks either at the end of the campaign or during the 2026/27 season.

Los Blancos monitoring Dutch ace

Xabi Alonso has set his sights on Kees Smit, according to Real Madrid Confidencial. The Dutch midfielder has caught the eye with AZ Alkmaar and his efforts have turned heads at the Santiago Bernabeu as well.

Real Madrid are yet to sign replacements for Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, so a new midfielder is likely to be in the agenda in 2026. Dani Ceballos already has one leg out of the Santiago Bernabeu and Smit has emerged as an option to take his place as well.

Alonso has reportedly asked Los Blancos chief scout Juni Calafat to provide a scouting report for the 19-year-old. Smit has a €5m market value, but is under contract with the Eredivisie club until 2028. As such, prising him away won't be easy.

Mauricio Pochettino turned down managerial job at Santiago Bernabeu

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that he turned down a chance to take charge of Real Madrid earlier in his managerial career. The Argentine has previously occupied the hot seat at Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Chelsea.

However, it now appears that he also had the option to take over the reins at the Santiago Bernabeu. The opportunity reportedly arrived when Pochettino was with Spurs, but he turned it down.

Speaking to El Chiringuito TV, Pochettino said he also had a chance to play for Los Blancos in his career.

“As a player, I had the chance and it didn’t happen. As a coach, I had a couple of chances, but sometimes these are the moments that happen in football,” said Pochettino.

The LaLiga giants stationed Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's successor at the end of last season.