Five possible replacements for Casemiro at Man Utd

Cameron Smith

23 Jan 2026 13:17 GMT
5 min read

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has officially confirmed that he will leave the club as a free agent following the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign.

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The Brazil international has been a reliable presence in the Red Devils’ midfield since his arrival from Real Madrid in 2022 and his departure will undoubtedly leave a gaping hole in the Man Utd squad.

Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte have both been heavily linked with summer exits too, meaning INEOS will need to dip into the market for at least one new central midfielder before next season gets underway.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through five players Man Utd could target to replace Casemiro this summer.

Current ETV

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

Elliot Anderson

M, DM (C)

N. Forest

ETV Range

€47.5M - €58M

Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)

Elliot Anderson is widely considered as Man Utd’s top transfer target for 2026 and they are expected to battle with arch-rivals Manchester City for his signature.

The England international has firmly established himself as a top-level central midfielder over the past 12 months and he is set to start for the Three Lions alongside Declan Rice at this summer’s World Cup.

His price tag will increase further if he impresses at the tournament, with Man Utd likely to be forced to fork out over €100 million to sign him.

Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Adam Wharton is also on Man Utd’s transfer radar and he is set to become the latest Crystal Palace star to leave the club later this year.

The 21-year-old boasts an immaculate passing range and although he doesn’t possess the same physical attributes as Anderson, Wharton would still be an excellent signing for Man Utd.

Like his compatriot, however, a fee of around €100m could be required to finalise a deal, especially given Palace’s current exodus.

Carlos Baleba (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Carlos Baleba agreed personal terms with Man Utd last summer, but the proposed deal fell through due to Brighton & Hove Albion’s eye-watering valuation.

It’s understood that a deal for the Cameroon international will cost just under €100m this summer, thanks to a dip in form this season and the fact he will have just two years remaining on his current contract in July.

Baleba would be an ideal foil for Kobbie Mainoo in Man Utd’s midfield and the Red Devils would be wise to pursue a transfer given the fact he is evidently eager to complete an Old Trafford switch.

Manu Kone (AS Roma)

Manu Kone has been a standout performer for AS Roma this season and several clubs in the Premier League are reportedly keeping close tabs on his development ahead of a possible summer swoop.

Man Utd are believed to be among those interested in the France international, who is a key reason why Roma still have a slim chance of winning the Serie A title this campaign.

Kone has played the entire 90 minutes in 20 of Roma’s 21 league matches this term and he has been a formidable presence in the middle of the park for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

Boubacar Kamara (Aston Villa)

The final suggestion for a potential Casemiro replacement at Man Utd is Aston Villa star Boubacar Kamara, who remains extremely underrated despite his form under Unai Emery.

The Frenchman has been outstanding since his arrival at Villa Park and often goes under the radar compared to fellow midfield stars Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana.

Kamara is a superb all-round defensive midfielder and he would bring immense quality to Man Utd’s midfield if the Red Devils opt to pursue a deal.

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