Manchester United have been urged to raid Premier League rivals Newcastle United and sign Bruno Guimaraes to switch the departing Casemiro.
The Brazilian midfielder announced in January that he was leaving United at the tip of the season after 4 years on the club.
And while it has been an up-and-down time for Casemiro at Old Trafford, his resurgence and impressive performances this season leave United with a sizeable hole to fill in the midst of the park.
The Red Devils were already out there for one central midfielder, having tried to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton at the tip of the summer transfer window.
And so Casemiro’s imminent exit now makes recruiting a star midfielder a key priority alongside their ongoing seek for a brand new everlasting manager.
Baleba could well still be a reputation of interest this summer, while United are also said to be keen admirers of English duo Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
But former Red Devils striker Louis Saha believes that Guimaraes might be the best, ready-made alternative for Casemiro in central midfield, while also earmarking his teammate Sandro Tonali as a substitute option.
‘I’ve at all times been a giant fan and defender of Casemiro,’ Saha told AceOdds.
‘He was asked to do one too many roles within the last two years, but that’s been cut and now he’s settled and his role is defined. He’s proved he’s a world-class player and I understand why the fans want him to remain.
‘United need aggressiveness and someone that may dictate the midfield. I see someone more like [Sandro] Tonali or [Bruno] Guimaraes, who’re two monsters in midfield.
‘With players like [Kobbie] Mainoo, you wish someone alongside him who has the experience and vision to administer the transition when Casemiro goes. You wish that have, directness and decisiveness. It’ll be hard to switch.
‘Should you usher in a young player, it’s a disruption. It’s great for the longer term, but you wish experience. If Casemiro goes, I feel a mixture of [Adam] Wharton and Guimaraes can be great because Guimaraes is more of a captain.’
Guimaraes, signed by Newcastle for £42million in 2022, has grown to turn into a pivotal player for Eddie Howe’s side and was made club captain in 2024.
The 28-year-old, who’s currently out injured with a hamstring injury, has provided nine goals and 4 assists within the Premier League this season, but is out of contract in June 2028.
Tonali, meanwhile, was the topic of reported transfer interest from Arsenal at the tip of the January transfer window.
The Italian midfielder appears to have a growing variety of admirers, and his agent Giuseppe Riso hinted his client may seek a move from St James’ Park if Newcastle don’t qualify for the Champions League – which now seems extremely likely.
‘Newcastle are having a tough time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to guide the club to the Champions League,’ Piso said earlier this yr.
‘We’ll evaluate and choose what to do in the summertime. These transfer discussions will happen later.
‘We’ll see how the season ends after which we’ll resolve what to do. There’s no preference in the mean time.
‘It’s still early. What we’re saying today won’t apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn’t let him go now, and there’s no point in moving, especially since Sandro may be very attached to the club.’
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