According to The Pitch Prospect, Manchester United are looking to sign two of Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton as Casemiro’s replacements this summer.
The Brazilian midfielder confirmed he would be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the season after four years at Old Trafford.
5
Bruno Fernandes’ future is also unclear, with the United captain suggesting a £52m release clause for non-Premier League clubs.
And there are three main contenders who could be part of a revamped United midfield: Nottingham Forest’s Anderson, Brighton’s Baleba and Crystal Palace’s Wharton.
All three have impressed in the Premier League over the last 18 months, but neither will come cheap.
Double trouble
On the White and Jordan show, Sam Matterface said: “They’re interested in Elliot Anderson, Baleba and Adam Wharton and they’ll probably get two of them, we’re told.”
“It will cost around £200m.”
In response, The Pitch Prospect chief football correspondent Alex Crook said: “Yes, you would have thought so.”
Crook was then asked how the Red Devils could afford to spend such a large sum.
He explained: “Casemiro’s salary off the books will be a big deal. They will get some money for Marcus Rashford.”
“Jadon Sancho and Rashford’s salaries are also not on the payroll, so there is some money that needs to be released.”
“You also wonder about Bruno Fernandes.
5
5
“We know he has a release clause that a European club can trigger. Do they decide to capitalize on their captain to strengthen this key area of the pitch?”
“I wouldn’t necessarily be in favor of it, I think, you saw in the Manchester derby how good Bruno Fernandes is as a player.”
“I think if you put the right players alongside him in midfield, he will only get better.”
For Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, he stated that he would prioritize a move for Anderson over his England teammate Wharton.
Agbonlahor said: “I’m going with Elliot Anderson. I love Wharton, but Wharton is not going to be a player who moves around the field and gets the ball back.”
“He’s very good on the ball. They need someone who can move around the pitch.”
5
5
Everything changes
Given Casemiro’s age, Manuel Ugarte’s struggles and former head coach Ruben Amorim’s lack of favoritism towards Kobbie Mainoo, United have been looking for midfield reinforcements for some time.
They had looked at Baleba last summer and were told it would cost at least £100m.
Anderson will almost certainly be at around the same level unless Forest fall back into the Championship.
Wharton may be the cheapest of the trio, but given his consistently stunning performances, he would also command a hefty fee.
It’s set to be another hectic summer transfer window at United, who have signed Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens for £216m in 2025.