Manchester United's announcement that Casemiro will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season is a clear sign that the club has begun to prepare for a pivotal summer transfer window. According to sources from England, the Brazilian midfielder will leave the "Red Devils" when his current contract expires after 4 seasons together.
At the age of 33, Casemiro is no longer in the long-term plan of the team, despite the fact that he was brought in as a strategic contract in August 2022 under coach Erik ten Hag. Man United decided not to activate the one-year extension clause, thereby terminating the contract with a salary of up to 350,000 pounds per week of the player who has won the Champions League five times.
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Casemiro has played 146 matches and scored 21 goals in all competitions. He made a great contribution to helping the team win their first title in 6 years, bringing Man United back to the Champions League and once being an irreplaceable pillar in midfield. However, age, reduced intensity of competition and the burden of salary funds forced the board of directors to make strategic decisions.
Casemiro's departure means coach Michael Carrick will lose a seasoned leader in the dressing room, but in return, Man United has the opportunity to carry out a midfield reconstruction that has been planned for many months. Cutting the salary fund from the Brazilian midfielder's contract helps the club be more flexible in pursuing young goals and in line with long-term orientation.
Man United's leadership is said to have made a list of replacements even before the decision to leave Casemiro was announced. Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace is one of the top targets, in the context that the England international wants to play in the Champions League. With a valuation of about £60 million, Wharton is considered a more feasible option than Carlos Baleba of Brighton, whose transfer price could exceed £100 million.
Besides, Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest is also emerging as a potential candidate. The 23-year-old midfielder is having an impressive season and is considered a player who can immediately raise the midfield level. Although Forest does not want to sell, the expected price from 75 to 100 million pounds is still considered a worthwhile investment if Man United really wants to own a core for the next decade.
In case the top targets are not feasible, Joao Gomes of Wolves is a backup option with a softer price. Liverpool is also monitoring the Brazilian midfielder, making competition in the transfer market likely to become fierce.
The change in midfield could also lead to deeper tactical adjustments. If Bruno Fernandes leaves the club in the near future, Matheus Cunha is considered a bright candidate for the central creative role. Meanwhile, Cole Palmer - although mentioned as a dream target - is almost beyond his ability to pay when the transfer fee could reach 150 million pounds.
After many seasons patching up with short-term contracts, Man United is facing the time to make a long-term choice. Casemiro leaving Old Trafford is not only the end of a chapter, but also the beginning of the process of rebuilding the midfield.
