Manchester United eye two elite Premier League midfielders to replace Casemiro in summer transfer overhaul

Jan 24, 2026 - 23:30

Manchester United are looking to sign two of Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton to replace Casemiro this summer, talkSPORT understands.

The Brazilian midfielder confirmed he was going to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season after four years at Old Trafford.

Casemiro’s time at Man United is set to come to an end

Bruno Fernandes‘ future is also unclear, with the United captain boasting a release clause of £52million for non-Premier League clubs.

And there are three main contenders who could be part of a new-look 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 man will come cheap.

Double trouble

Speaking on the White and Jordan show, Sam Matterface said: “They are interested in Elliot Anderson, Baleba and Adam Wharton, and they are likely to get two of those, we are told.

“It’ll take around £200million.”

In response, talkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent Alex Crook said: “Yeah, you would have thought so.”

Crook was then asked how can the Red Devils afford to fork out such a hefty sum.

To which he stated: “Casemiro‘s wages off the books will be a big thing. They’re going to get some money for Marcus Rashford.

“Jadon Sancho and Rashford’s wages also off the payroll, so there is some cash to be freed up.

“You also wonder about Bruno Fernandes.

Michael Carrick confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Casemiro was always going to leave at the end of the year

Casemiro has struggled for form of late at the Theatre of Dreams

“We know he has a release clause that a European club can trigger. Do they decide to cash in on their captain to strengthen that key area of the pitch.

“I wouldn’t necessarily be favour of that, I think, you saw in the Manchester derby just how good a player Bruno Fernandes is.

“I think if you put proper players around him in that midfield, he’ll only get better.”

For Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor, he declared that he would prioritise a move for Anderson over his England teammate Wharton.

Agbonlahor said: “I am going Elliot Anderson. I love Wharton, but Wharton is not going to be a player getting around the pitch and getting the ball back.

“He’s very good on the ball. They need someone who can get around the pitch.”

Elliot Anderson playing for Nottingham Forest. — Anderson has it all in terms of a box-to-box midfielder

Baleba was keen on a switch to Old Trafford in the summer

All change

United have been looking for midfield reinforcements for some time, given Casemiro’s age, Manuel Ugarte‘s struggles and Kobbie Mainoo being unfavoured by former boss Ruben Amorim.

They had looked at Baleba last summer, and were told it would take at least £100m.

Anderson is almost certainly to be around the same unless Forest drop back down into the Championship.

Wharton might be the cheapest of the trio, but given his continued dazzling displays, he would also command a hefty fee.

It stands to be another hectic summer transfer window at United, who signed Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens in a £216m spending spree 2025.