Manchester United look set for a midfielder summer saga after Casemiro confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season.
Manchester United will lose Casemiro in the summer upon the expiry of his contract. The Brazilian confirmed he would leave Old Trafford earlier in the season, but United fans are still concerned about losing him. And rightly so.
While the five-time Champions League winner is known for his defensive talents, he has scored nine goals and registered two assists this season, including four goals in the last seven matches.
Casemiro has also played a huge role in helping Kobbie Mainoo return to top form under Michael Carrick, so his departure is certain to be felt.
With Manuel Ugarte also looking likely to leave the club this summer, United are assessing their options in the transfer market. Reports have said that director of football Jason Wilcox will look to sign two midfielders and promote another from the academy setup.
Jack and Tyler Fletcher have both played first-team football this season, while Jim Thwaites earned a spot on the bench against Chelsea, despite playing 120 minutes the day before. Jacob Devaney has impressed on loan in Scotland, but it is important not to forget about Toby Collyer.
United's Collyer plan for next season
Toby Collyer spent the first half of the campaign on loan at West Bromwich Albion, but managed just 12 appearances before being recalled in January. He then made the move to Hull City, but more injury issues means he has played just five matches, although Hull did reach the playoff places.
However, the season prior, Collyer was involved in the first team for Erik ten Hag and Rúben Amorim. The 22-year-old even replaced Casemiro at halftime in September 2024, when Liverpool overwhelmed a very poor United side.
As per The Athletic, United are looking to assess Collyer over the summer, meaning he is likely to be included in the first pre-season squad under the new head coach.
However, Hull City have asked for him to return to the club on another loan next season. Should they be promoted to the Premier League, United may be forced to let Collyer leave, especially if they have his development at the top of their thinking.
What about Sékou Koné?
Sékou Koné was a much talked about player when he was apart of Travis Binnion's under-21s side, but in January, he was loaned to INEOS-owned Lausane Sport.
Koné has made just five appearances for the Swiss side and is currently believed to be out with a small knock, although he has been present at academy fixtures recently, meaning he may have returned to England.
The Athletic expect Koné to go on loan again next season, with the hope of more game time and less injury concerns.
Perhaps United may look to assess him this summer, too. The World Cup will see several of United's midfielders unavailable until close to the Premier League season, meaning the youngsters have a great opportunity to impress.