One Manchester United midfielder has emerged as a transfer target for a Saudi Arabian club after receiving pressure from a former teammate to sign him.
Manchester United’s midfield situation is an interesting one, with four senior players – Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte – but the club still appears to be searching for another option.
Carlos Baleba was the dream signing for Rúben Amorim, due to his physical profile in and out of possession, but a move looks impossible to complete this summer, although United could return next summer.
Another option in Angelo Stiller recently emerged, but rumours were quickly played down by the German media. Adam Wharton and Ederson have also been mentioned as possible United targets.
However, in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, there are just two players who would be considered central midfielders, meaning if Jason Wilcox, United’s Director of Football, signed another engine room player, there would be five options for just two positions.
For another midfielder to be signed, at least one of the current four would have to leave the club or prepared to be given very little game time for the 2025/26 season.
Casemiro emerges as Al Ittihad target
Casemiro started United’s first Premier League match of the season against Arsenal, and largely impressed despite the 1-0 loss. The Brazilian looked comfortable on the ball, while also showing that he was still a good defender, having picked up his “brilliant” form from the back end of last campaign.
However, the former Real Madrid midfielder could still leave United before the end of the transfer window, after a report from a Saudi Arabian outlet suggested he is a target for Al-Ittihad.
If Casemiro did make the move to Al-Ittihad, he would be reuniting with his former teammate Karim Benzema, who is believed to be pushing for the move.
With his contract expiring at the end of this season, a Casemiro transfer can’t be ruled out, but selling him so late in the transfer window could make it difficult to find a replacement.
Collyer move could end Casemiro interest
After a season as a United prospect, Toby Collyer has moved on loan to West Bromwich Albion in the Championship, so he can play regular football and start to develop.
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While this is a good move for him, it could have ended the chances of Casemiro leaving the club, with no time to replace the Brazilian if he does leave for Saudi Arabia.
The only other option for United would be to reignite their interest in Carlos Baleba, which could be possible if they receive a good fee for Casemiro from Al-Ittihad.
Although Amorim may favour a move for his former Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who has been linked with a move away all summer but has yet to leave Portugal.
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