Six Casemiro Replacements for Man Utd
Manchester United’s search for Casemiro’s heir can now officially begin.
The Red Devils recently confirmed the impending departure of their Brazilian enforcer when his contract expires at the end of the current campaign and the hunt to replace the five-time Champions League winner will rumble on over the coming months.
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United have long desired a new midfielder anyway, preferably one at the opposite end of their career to Casemiro, and they’re expected to prioritise the strengthening of the engine room this summer—although uncertainty over the next permanent manager makes life a bit more challenging.
Several midfielders have been repeatedly linked with Old Trafford over the past year and are now certain to garner even more attention, but there are likely to be other names in the mix, too.
Here are six players who could replace Casemiro at Old Trafford.
Carlos Baleba
United’s admiration for Carlos Baleba is no secret. The Red Devils made attempts to sign the highly rated Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder last summer before being warned off pursuing his services and there’s no doubting that the Cameroon international’s head was turned by interest. Baleba’s performances have been less impressive this term, that’s for sure.
But there’s a reason United were so eager to sign him before the campaign commenced. The 22-year-old enjoyed an exceptional 2024–25 and was a shining light on the south coast as he helped replace what had been lost in the 2023 departure of Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea, with his aggressive defensive approach and unlimited energy catching the eye.
Baleba remains firmly linked with United as the club reportedly explored a potential signing in January, even if that appears extremely unlikely. A price tag of over £100 million ($137.8 million) is a major barrier to entry for the Red Devils in negotiations, but they will at least be saving a significant sum once Casemiro’s reported £350,000 weekly salary is removed from the wage bill.
In terms of play style and overall profile, Baleba certainly fits the mould of a Casemiro successor.
Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton’s meteoric rise has seen him linked with Europe’s elite and the midfielder could well be the next high-profile name to jump ship at Selhurst Park. Following the exits of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guéhi, the confirmed future departure of Oliver Glasner and the likely transfer of Jean-Philippe Mateta, the England international would be foolish not to consider his options amid the chaos.
Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City have all been linked with the classy 21-year-old, as have United, and he appears likely to command a similar price tag to Baleba. That’s understandable given his terrific displays for Crystal Palace over the past year, Wharton flourishing in the Premier League with his passing range, technical class and positional intelligence.
But is Wharton a like-for-like Casemiro replacement? Probably not.
Working in conjunction with a more reserved midfielder, Wharton will thrive, but he lacks the defensive acumen to be the direct heir to Casemiro’s throne. While an excellent footballer and potential generational talent, he’s unlikely to replace the defensive output of the Brazilian—although that doesn’t mean he should be dismissed as a transfer target.
Elliot Anderson
Another Englishman whose stock has risen significantly over the past year is Elliot Anderson. The Nottingham Forest talisman has exploded into life following his PSR-enforced move from boyhood club Newcastle United, the combative and all-action midfielder’s ascent having even opened the door to England opportunities under Thomas Tuchel.
Anderson might very well start alongside Declan Rice in England’s double pivot at the 2026 World Cup and few can argue against his place in the lineup. The 23-year-old has a little bit of everything: relentless energy, defensive awareness, impressive athleticism, stellar distribution.
Unsurprisingly, such attributes will merit an enormous transfer fee—another that could surpass the £100 million mark—but United, who reportedly see Anderson as their priority target, would be acquiring one of the country’s most tantalising midfield talents. A promising replacement for one of best midfielders of his generation.
Sandro Tonali
A move for Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali had barely even registered as a possibility when the January transfer window opens. Now, however, the Italian is very much in play.
Questionable links to Arsenal were soon followed by reports of concrete interest from United in Tonali, whose agent has admitted a departure from St James’ Park could be on the cards this summer if Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League.
While United have plenty of targets with Premier League experience, none offer the big-game know-how boasted by Tonali. The 25-year-old is a regular starter for Italy and knows his way around the Champions League, meaning United can be certain of his ability to adapt to life at Old Trafford.
As far as risks go, Tonali perhaps represents the safest bet for United, who may hope for a discount as he approaches the final two years of his contract.
Éderson
After an exceptional 2023–24 campaign with Atalanta in which he helped propel the Italians to Europa League glory, Éderson has been largely forgotten outside of Serie A. The Brazilian was tipped with a big-money transfer following a first European trophy, but such a switch never materialised.
However, the 26-year-old’s performances have still been hugely impressive for La Dea. An incredibly press resistant operator that boasts boundless energy and great defensive instincts, he continues to deliver weekly for Atalanta, even without the expert tutelage of Gian Piero Gasperini.
Now much of the hype around Éderson has died down, United could certainly explore a more cost-effective deal for his services, especially with just 18 months left on his current contract. He could prove an astute replacement for his compatriot Casemiro.
Angelo Stiller
Angelo Stiller has been regularly linked with the Premier League since VfB Stuttgart’s re-emergence as a major force in Germany, with United most frequently touted as interested in the impressive 24-year-old. He’s been essential to the rise of Die Schwaben in the past few years, which has included a return to the Champions League and a DFB Pokal triumph.
Stiller is not the most traditional defensive midfielder, boasting the ability to operate further forward and even chip in with regular assists. He set up teammates on 11 occasions across all competitions last season and ranks high for progressive passes and passes into the opposition third in the Bundesliga.
Defensively, Stiller is resolute and assured, but he’s certainly not an orthodox enforcer. However, Casemiro is also someone capable of providing plenty of goal contributions and attacking threat—33 goals and assists since his move to England—with both his attacking and defensive skill set needing to be replaced at Old Trafford.
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