Replacement lined up? Casemiro’s Pick for Man United comes with obstacles

Manchester United Focuses on New Midfield Addition Ahead of 2026 Season

Replacing Casemiro in midfield has emerged as Manchester United’s main focus heading into the 2026 summer window.

With Casemiro set to depart at the end of the season, the club faces a significant gap to address in the centre of the pitch.

The club has identified as many as 17 potential targets, with Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes among those being considered.

AS reports that Casemiro himself has recommended Guimaraes for the role, based on their time together with the Brazil national team.

Man Utd told to sign Bruno Guimaraes

United have also shown interest in Sandro Tonali, but it seems Casemiro would rather his compatriot Guimaraes make the switch from Newcastle to Manchester.

The report adds that Newcastle have opened talks with Guimaraes over a new contract, but so far negotiations with the 28-year-old have stalled.

Guimaraes made his move to Newcastle in 2022 in a £40m deal, and he has gone on to become the club captain and a fan favourite at St James’ Park.

United face Newcastle in Tyneside on Wednesday evening, but Guimaraes is a doubt because of a hamstring injury, so he is unlikely to go head-to-head with Casemiro in midfield.

Bruno Guimaraes Has £100m Release Clause in Newcastle Contract

United had their eye on Guimaraes before his 2022 move to Newcastle, and with the summer window approaching, Ineos could revisit that interest.

Back in 2024, Manchester City were also linked with him, and it came out at the time that he had a £100 million release clause in his contract.

If Guimaraes doesn’t agree to new terms before then, that clause should still be valid heading into 2026.

Newcastle won’t want to settle for anything less than that figure either, so United would need to meet the full £100m if they decide to follow through on Casemiro’s recommendation.

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