Ineos are planning to completely overhaul the Manchester United midfield in the 2026 summer transfer window, but a replacement for Casemiro might already be on the books.
Since taking charge of the footballing decisions at Old Trafford, Ineos have been looking for immediate success, but also playing the long game with investments into the youth.
Midfield has been no exception, with Carrington filled to the brim with exciting talents who look like future Premier League players.
Now, this week, the rebuild in midfield has begun, with Casemiro announcing his departure from United ahead of his contract expiring in June.
United are probably going to go out and sign a handful of new midfielders this summer as a result, but one young player has a real chance to nail down his own place.
What is your INSTANT REACTION to the news Casemiro will leave Man Utd at the end of 2025/26?
Do you think this is the right decision, and how do you feel about the timing of the announcement?
Casemiro exit
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Sekou Kone has a golden opportunity to earn a Manchester United first-team spot
There is no doubting he will be a big player to replace, but there will be beneficiaries from Casemiro leaving United, none more so than the young midfielders already at the club.
Specifically, Sekou Kone could have a golden opportunity.
Sekou Kone in Manchester United training session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Kone joined United for £1m in 2024, a deal that promises to look like a real bargain in the future.
The Mali midfielder didn’t have the perfect start at United, suffering a couple of injuries, including a fractured orbital bone in August which kept him out for months.
But upon his return, Kone was instantly impressive for the U21s, proving he was too good for academy football and Ineos took action.
Right now, Kone is at Lausanne on ‘trial’ ahead of a potential to the Swiss side, utilising the Ineos link, and if he does enough to earn the move, he could be playing in the Conference League.
The league is a very strong quality, and if Kone can shine then Ineos could view him as an option for the next manager’s midfield department, likely as a bench player to begin with.
United have always seen Kone as a first-team talent, and if he can prove it for Lausanne the next step would be Old Trafford.
Casemiro’s exit will probably see a midfielder or two signed, but there is no reason Kone can’t be one of four or five vying for minutes next season.
Prove me wrong… Sekou Kone will end up being a brilliant signing for Manchester United
Agree or disagree?
Sekou Kone of Manchester United pictured during the National League Cup match between Tamworth and Manchester United U21
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Kone could be the perfect Carlos Baleba or Elliot Anderson understudy
Assuming United go big in the summer for either Carlos Baleba or Elliot Anderson to play as the six alongside Kobbie Mainoo, Kone would be perfect to be their understudy.
Kone shares lots of traits with Baleba in particular, being very athletic, good on the ball and bursting with energy, something that the midfield will be looking for in the summer.
Often described as a mix between N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba for his multi-faceted game, Kone is raw but has all the qualities to be a United player.
Kone proved this during the post-season tour, in which his cameos were among the only good things from that tour to Asia.
It is all up to Kone, if he makes himself undeniable, United could have partially replaced Casemiro for just £1m.
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