Manchester United are targeting Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios as the man to fill the void left by Casemiro‘s departure this summer, according to Fichajes, with the 27-year-old Argentine international attracting simultaneous interest from Manchester City and Leverkusen holding firm on a €50m asking price.
Casemiro’s exit at the end of his contract is now accepted internally at Old Trafford, and Michael Carrick’s recruitment team have been working through a shortlist of replacements for several months.
Palacios has emerged as the leading candidate from that process.
Why Exequiel Palacios suits Manchester United
Palacios has made nearly 200 appearances for Bayer Leverkusen since joining from River Plate in January 2020, contributing 15 goals and 17 assists across that spell.
He is a versatile, high-energy midfielder who can play as a single pivot or in a double alongside a more creative partner, which gives United tactical flexibility they have sorely lacked since Casemiro’s decline.
At 27, he is entering the peak years of his career with a World Cup this summer that will serve as a shop window for any remaining clubs still to be convinced of his level.
Man City rivalry could push the fee higher
The presence of Manchester City in the race complicates United’s pursuit significantly.
City are also rebuilding their midfield following a difficult season and view Palacios as a profile that fits Guardiola’s system. A bidding war between two Premier League heavyweights for the same player is exactly the scenario Leverkusen will want, and their €50m valuation already reflects confidence that competition will hold.
Palacios’s contract situation at Leverkusen will determine how much leverage the German club actually hold. If he has two or more years remaining, their position is strong. If he is entering the final twelve months, United and City’s hands improve considerably going into negotiations this summer.
Where this fits in United’s wider midfield rebuild
Palacios would not be the only midfield addition United make this summer. The Stiller pursuit at Stuttgart has stalled following the removal of his release clause, and Joao Gomes at Wolves is another name that has been tracked.
Carrick needs at minimum two midfielders to reshape the engine room, and Palacios as the defensive anchor alongside a more progressive partner would give him the foundation to build around. At €50m, the fee is significant but justifiable for a player of his calibre and age profile if United can fend off City and close the deal before the World Cup adds further complexity to the price.