Manchester United could place its trust in Christopher Vivell’s scouting this summer by swooping for one of his preferred Casemiro replacements. The veteran Brazilian leaves the club in June when his contract expires.
It has long looked likely that United will turn to a Premier League-proven midfielder to deal with Casemiro’s departure. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has been linked but the Englishman looks set to join rivals Manchester City.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba remains a top target and was the subject of an enquiry last summer. The club were told he wasn’t for sale, but the Cameroonian is still on their radar.
Vivell wants Agoume
Vivell was the man who orchestrated Benjamin Sesko’s move from RB Leipzig to Old Trafford. United’s Director of Recruitment has made a promising start in his role.
The German might play an important role in the club’s plans to replace Casemiro. He has reportedly been proposing Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume for quite some time.
Shaun Connolly of Theatre of Red reports that Vivell has “long identified” Agoume as a “prime target” to strengthen United’s midfield. He has been on the director’s shortlist since at least 2025.
| Lucien Agoume (La Liga 2025-26) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances: | 24 |
| Goals: | 1 |
| Assists: | 2 |
| Interceptions: | 1.4 |
| Tackles per game: | 1.8 |
| Possession won (final third): | 0.3 |
| Ground duels won: | 2.5 (44%) |
| Aerial duels won: | 1.8 (58%) |
Agoume is regarded as a “destroyer” whose profile could be a good fit alongside Kobbie Mainoo. The 24-year-old is reportedly valued at around €30 million (£26m) and has just over two years on his contract.
The French midfielder, born in Cameroon, has also displayed impressive leadership qualities, previously captaining France U21s. At such a reasonable fee, it makes sense for the club to be considering making a move.
Agoume shouldn’t be only midfield signing
Should United sign Agoume at that price, it surely allows INEOS to swoop for another midfielder. Two new midfielders make sense, given Manuel Ugarte’s future is uncertain.
Ugarte has been linked with a move to Italy, while Turkish giants Galatasaray tried signing him in January. The Uruguayan has failed to live up to expectations since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024 for £40m.
A midfield overhaul is needed even if Ugarte were to stay at the club. Michael Carrick is still on course to guide the Reds to a top-four finish and achieve Champions League qualification.
A different profile to Agoume could further strengthen the midfield and give whoever is in charge more options next season. Another defensive midfielder should be the priority, and that could well be Baleba or Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
