They do say all good things in life come to an end, something which is the case for Manchester United Football Club and fan-favourite Casemiro.
The Brazilian international has already announced that he will be departing Old Trafford at the end of the campaign when his current contract expires at the end of June.
However, the fans have been demanding that the 34-year-old remains at the club for one more year, after massively catching the eye in the Premier League this term.
He’s registered nine goals in England’s top-flight this term – the second-most of any player in the squad – subsequently highlighting his importance to the Red Devils.
As a result of his pending departure, the hierarchy desperately need to start work in the transfer market to identity the prefect player to fill the void at the heart of the side.
|
Man Utd PL top goalscorers (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Benjamin Sesko |
10 |
|
Bryan Mbeumo |
9 |
|
Casemiro |
9 |
|
Matheus Cunha |
8 |
|
Bruno Fernandes |
8 |
|
Mason Mount |
3 |
|
Patrick Dorgu |
3 |
|
Amad Diallo |
2 |
Man Utd reach agreement for £75m Premier League star
Over recent months, Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has been mentioned as just one potential replacement for the departing Casemiro when the window opens.
At one stage, it appeared almost certain the Italian would be moving to Old Trafford, after the Red Devils were expected to complete a deal before the season ended. Reports this week maintain he is still on their radar but a price point of around £100m is a sticking point.
However, talk over such a transfer has gone quiet in recent days, leading to other targets such as Carlos Baleba emerging on the hierarchy’s shortlist once again.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, United have now registered interest in the Brighton & Hove Albion star after previously trying to land the Cameroonian last summer.
Speaking in recent days, Jacobs stated: “He will only want Manchester United. Baleba is waiting. They’ve got the terms in place. It’s just about whether they act on it.
“Brighton have not named a price to Manchester United. Maybe there’s a possibility it could go to a £75m starting point. Brighton are braced for offers. It’s a concrete possibility he moves this summer.”
Why Baleba would be a better signing than Tonali for United
The need for additions in central midfield at United this summer are absolutely vital, with the work in the market dictating whether a title battle could be on the cards next term.
A move for Tonali has been craved by the Red Devils supporters in recent months and understandably so given his top-level performances in the Premier League with the Magpies.
|
Most PL minutes played for Newcastle (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Minutes |
|
Malick Thiaw |
2604 |
|
Sandro Tonali |
2310 |
|
Bruno Guimaraes |
2121 |
|
Nick Pope |
2057 |
|
Dan Burn |
1920 |
|
Lewis Hall |
1887 |
|
Anthony Gordon |
1814 |
|
Harvey Barnes |
1790 |
The 25-year-old played a vital role in helping Eddie Howe’s side secure Champions League football last term, undoubtedly outperforming the expectations on Tyneside.
As a result, many Red Devils fans will be hoping the Italian international could do the same at Old Trafford and help lead the club back towards title glory.
However, the reemergence of links to sign Baleba has only extended the list of options to the board, with countless players now in their sights ahead of the window.
Extensive work has previously been conducted on the Brighton star in recent times, with the Cameroonian arguably being a more impactful addition this summer.
The Red Devils are in desperate need of a ball-winning option at the heart of the side, something which the 22-year-old has specialised in throughout 2025/26.
He’s managed to win 1.9 tackles per 90 in the Premier League this season, whilst also managing to make a superb 1.6 interceptions of the ball per 90.
Whilst both figures are higher than those produced by the Newcastle star, the latter also ranks him in the top 10% of midfielders in the division – highlighting his ball-winning quality.
Baleba has also made 5.3 ball recoveries per 90 this campaign, along with a staggering 4.8 ground duels won per 90 – reaffirming his excellent ability without the ball.
His overall tally of 10.6 defensive contributions per 90 is also higher than that produced by the Italian, which certainly makes him a more suitable addition for the Red Devils.
£75m would be yet another huge addition for United, but Baleba’s addition could certainly provide the senior side with the perfect replacement for the departing Casemiro.
Tonali is undoubtedly a top-level talent, but unfortunately for him, the United side are in need of a player who can operate in front of the backline and constantly regain possession.
Whilst the Italian is capable of being a ball-winner, the Cameroonian is undoubtedly a specialist in that department – with any move massively bolstering the club’s title chances next term.
Man Utd sold their own Tchouameni & Anderson for just £500k two years ago
As Manchester United begin to turn towards improving their midfield, they’ll be regretting the departure of one young player.