Casemiro has announced that he is leaving Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of the season. The veteran Brazilian midfielder will bring an end to a four-year stay at Old Trafford.
There have been highs and lows for the 32-year-old since he joined United from Real Madrid for £70m. He scored an incredible header in a 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the 2023 Carabao Cup final.
Casemiro was told to “leave the football” by Jamie Carragher after a nightmare outing in a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace in May 2024. He more than proved the Liverpool legend wrong and is bowing out as a true Red Devils hero.
The club are tasked with trying to replace the Brazilian ahead of this summer’s transfer window. ReadManUtd have assessed and ranked five credible options, and some are thought to be on INEOS’ radar.
5 – Kees Smit
There has been a focus on youth since INEOS took over Manchester United’s sporting operations. That’s why a potential move for Kees Smit can’t be ruled out amid the 20-year-old shining in the Eredivisie.
Smit looks the real deal with his box-to-box profile and composure on the ball. Casemiro has earned plaudits for his ball-playing abilities since joining the Reds, and that’s exactly the hype around the Dutch youngster.
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman compared Smit to Barcelona’s Pedri, which speaks volumes. He can play in central midfield or as a defensive midfielder, and that would give whoever is in charge next season more options.
The issue over swooping for Smit is not only Real Madrid and Liverpool’s reported interest, per Sports Illustrated. He is still only at the start of his career and doesn’t have the experience needed to handle the pressure of playing for English football’s biggest club.
| Kees Smit | |
|---|---|
| Club: | AZ Alkmaar |
| Nationality: | The Netherlands |
| Contract Expires: | 30/06/2028 |
| Estimated Value: | £50m |
4 – Amadou Onana
Probably the most attainable option on this list is Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana. The Belgian midfielder was linked with Manchester United before joining Unai Emery’s side from Everton in the summer of 2024 for £50m.
Onana is one of the Premier League’s most highly-regarded holding midfielders. Some have compared him to Paul Pogba due to his six-foot-five-inch frame and agility.
The 24-year-old isn’t exactly an undisputed starter in Emery’s team and that could help United should they pursue a deal. He has started 14 of 17 league games this season, posting two games.
The Villa man’s agent revealed he turned down the Reds because he’d given his word to the Midlands outfit. He ranks low on this list because he has struggled with injuries in recent years.
| Amadou Onana | |
|---|---|
| Club: | Aston Villa |
| Nationality: | Belgium |
| Contract Expires: | 30/06/2029 |
| Estimated Value: | £65m |
3 – Angelo Stiller
The only potential Casemiro replacement on this list who is plying their trade outside of England is Angelo Stiller. There are certainly huge expectations for the German, who is still relatively young at 24.
Stiller is an interesting option as he’s left-footed and known for dictating play at Stuttgart. He could slot in seamlessly alongside Kobbie Mainoo, but he doesn’t quite have the same physical attributes as Casemiro.
That said, he has a host of European giants eyeing him ahead of this summer. Fabrizio Romano revealed for GIVEMESPORT that United would likely face competition from German clubs for the midfielder who has made 34 appearances across competitions this season, posting one goal and eight assists.
| Angelo Stiller | |
|---|---|
| Club: | VfB Stuttgart |
| Nationality: | Germany |
| Contract Expires: | 30/06/2028 |
| Estimated Value: | £50m |
2 – Adam Wharton
One of English football’s most exciting midfield talents is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. The 22-year-old’s stock has continued to grow throughout his spell at Selhurst Park.
It looks increasingly likely that Wharton will depart the Eagles this summer, and Manchester United are one of several clubs keeping tabs, per TEAMtalk. He is expected to cost at least £80m, and that is a hefty fee for the Red Devils to take into consideration.
Wharton has been a mainstay in Oliver Glasner’s side this season, posting four assists in 33 games across competitions. He isn’t a Casemiro-type midfielder, but he does hold similarities with Michael Carrick due to his grace on the ball.
| Adam Wharton | |
|---|---|
| Club: | Crystal Palace |
| Nationality: | England |
| Contract Expires: | 30/06/2029 |
| Estimated Value: | £100m |
1 – Carlos Baleba
Manchester United approached Brighton over a possible deal for Carlos Baleba last summer, per David Ornstein. They were told that the Cameroonian wasn’t for sale, and as a result, INEOS held fire on a potential offer.
Baleba remains top of United’s wishlist, especially now that Casemiro has confirmed he is leaving in June. The 22-year-old is keen on a move to Old Trafford, where he’d link up with compatriot Bryan Mbeumo.
It hasn’t been the best season for Baleba, following a summer of speculation about his future. He has made 25 appearances across competitions and has been substituted off several times.
Baleba has shown that he has all the tools to be one of English football’s best midfielders and could be to United what Moises Caicedo is to Chelsea. The fact that the club have already made contact with Brighton is indicative of their views on making him Casemiro’s heir.
| Carlos Baleba | |
|---|---|
| Club: | Brighton & Hove Albion |
| Nationality: | Cameroon |
| Contract Expires: | 30/06/2028 |
| Estimated Value: | £100m |
