News broke yesterday that Brazilian defensive midfielder Casemiro will leave Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of the 2025/2026 season. After signing in 2022, the defensive midfielder won the EFL and FA Cups during his time in red. He came in and sured up a rocky midfield under former boss Erik Ten Hag. Although Ineos and the Glazers will be happy to clear the huge £350,000-a-week wage that Casemiro is paid, questions will now be asked as to who will fill the void left by the multiple-time Champions League winner. We take a look at Casemiro’s potential replacements at Manchester United.
Casemiro’s Potential Replacements: Those Who Could Fill the Void
Forest Star a Top Target
Nottingham Forrest’s Elliot Anderson should be Manchester United’s number one target on their list of Casemiro’s potential replacements. The 23-year-old has impressed in the Premier League this season, so much so that he’s broken into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad. He’s made six international appearances and is seemingly in consideration for England’s World Cup squad in the summer.
His defensive work-rate, age profile, and ambition make Anderson the perfect replacement. It won’t be cheap to get Anderson out of Forest, however, with an apparent £100 million valuation placed on his signature.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba
There are two other key targets that Manchester United will likely look at over the summer transfer window, both of whom are Premier League proven. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Crystal Palace star, Adam Wharton, will likely be high on the list.
We know that United were looking into signing Baleba last summer. The Cameroonian broke through into Brighton’s midfield during the 2023/2024 season; however, it was the 2024/2025 season where Baleba really came into the limelight for a number of teams, United being one of the key clubs interested. His ball progression ability, work rate, and calmness under pressure would allow him to slot into the Red Devils’ midfield; however, after a drop in form this season, there are warning signs. With that being said, expect United to keep a close eye on Baleba as the season progresses.
Read More: Manchester United Face Competition for Midfielder
Adam Wharton Could be High on United’s List
Adam Wharton is an interesting option. The England international plays a lot like the current Manchester United boss, Michael Carrick. He’s calm on the ball, progresses it and does so with intelligence. Like Carrick, Wharton dictates the pace of the game and does so with discipline.
Wharton could slot into the midfield alongside fellow Englishman, Kobbie Mainoo and run United’s midfield for years to come. At 21 years old, Wharton is the age profile that United should be looking at. Like Anderson, it won’t be cheap to get him out of Crystal Palace. A potential fee of £150 million has been put on Wharton from the current FA Cup champions; however, a more realistic price of £80 million with add-ons could be achieved by United.
Whoever Manchester United decide to choose as their Casemiro replacement, they’re big boots to fill. Few in the game have the top-level experience he has. Manchester United fans will be excited by the prospect of a new anchor in their midfield, but one thing is for sure. They will be hoping that Bruno Fernandes won’t be used in the #6 position again!
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / PA Images
