As Casemiro prepares to depart Old Trafford, INEOS shifts focus toward Atalanta’s Ederson to anchor a major midfield rebuild and partner alongside rising star Kobbie Mainoo.
After almost four years at the club, Casemiro has confirmed that this season will be his last in a Manchester United shirt. The Brazilian midfielder arrived from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022.
The 33-year-old struggled during the 2023/24 campaign under former manager Erik ten Hag, but he rediscovered his influence last season as United reached the Europa League final. Casemiro registered three assists in the stunning comeback win over Lyon and found the net in both legs of the semi-final against Athletic Club.
This season, with Manchester United playing just one game a week, Casemiro has looked back to his Real Madrid best, playing a pivotal role in the turn around of the club's season since Michael Carrick took over in January.
United's 0-0 draw to Sunderland was the fourth time this season that the Brazilian hadn't started, with the club being winless in those games, emphasising the 34-year-old's key role in the side which will be sorely missed next season.
United consider Ederson move
It's clear to see that United are due for a major midfield transformation this summer, with INEOS drafting a laundry list of midfield options as the 2025/26 Premier League campaign draws to a close.
One name that has been linked to United for a while now is Atalanta's Ederson, with the club looking to get a fee for the Brazilian, whose contract expires next summer.
Despite reportedly agreeing personal terms with Atletico Madrid, it is believed that a potential agreement has broken down, and will now turn their attentions elsewhere.
The Madrid side are thought to be closely monitoring Wolves' João Gomes, who will not be short of suitors after his side's relegation from the Premier League, and will most likely be available for a cut-price fee.
Should Atletico Madrid opt for Gomes over Ederson, it will give United great confidence in their ability to sign the 26-year-old, with reports in Italy indicating that personal terms have already been agreed.
According to the Manchester Evening News, amid Gomes seemingly choosing to reject United's interest and opting for Atleti, United are considering a swoop for Ederson that could cost in the region of £40 million.
United have to be smart with their midfield signings
Naturally, a large proportion of this summer's transfer budget will be spent to address the severe lack of depth in the midfield, but the club are also expected to be in the market for a left winger, and could also be linked with a left-back and a striker depending on who moves on this summer.
With Casemiro confirmed to be leaving, Manuel Ugarte is also heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford after failing to adapt to life in the Premier League, and the club would then need to sign around three midfield targets to offer key depth in preparation of a Champions League campaign.
Kobbie Mainoo is undoubtedly the future of United's midfield after making huge strides forward in his career since Carrick took over, so United have to be smart to identify the correct type of midfielder that will pair up well with the Englishman.
As seen by the recent success of United's signings in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the club have to target at least one midfielder who is Premier League-ready to not repeat what happened with the likes of Ugarte.