Oh, Casemiro, it's been a right old ride at Manchester United, hasn't it?
The wisdom of forking out £70m, plus a bumper £375k-per-week salary, on a then 30-year-old back in 2022 can still be questioned, but, as has become abundantly clear, this has not been a man looking for one last payday.
The Brazilian hero might have won it all at Real Madrid, yet has played with the fight and hunger of a far younger, less successful talent in Manchester. His commitment to the cause has rarely been questioned.
There've been some dark moments, not least on that night at Selhurst Park back in May 2024, but let's look to the positives.
Be it his last-gasp equaliser, and raucous celebration, at Stamford Bridge. His opener in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. His two assists at the death against Lyon. His Man of the Match display in last weekend's derby.
casemiro-man-utd-career-path
That latest showing has illustrated that there's life in the old dog yet, although his Old Trafford stay is coming to a close, with a suitable replacement needing to be found.
Man Utd in the mix to sign £56m Casemiro replacement
It was announced earlier this week that the 33-year-old's time at United will definitely be over when the season finishes, with the veteran midfielder keen to quash any speculation around his future.
Out of contract in June, it was reported that a clause would be triggered if he started in each of the remaining games in 2025/26, although the end of the season will mark the end of the road regardless.
Now set to embark on a farewell tour, Casemiro - even while set to turn 34 next month - will leave big boots to fill, having still started 19 Premier League games this season.
One man who could be an outside pick to replace him is Borussia Dortmund star, Felix Nmecha, with Caught Offside naming the Red Devils as one of the clubs who are interested in signing the Germany international in 2026.
Indeed, the report outlines that the Bundesliga are expecting 'approaches' for the 25-year-old, albeit while having slapped a €65m (£56m) price tag on his head, to ward off mid-season interest.
Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt celebrates scoring their first goal with Felix Nmecha and Daniel Svensson
In the case of United, the piece states that they are expected to step up their interest in the summer, rather than this month.
Why 'the new Gravenberch' can be an ideal Casemiro replacement
It was approaching two years ago that Jamie Carragher infamously told Casemiro to "leave the football", although, to his credit, the ex-Madrid man has battled back to cement a key role for himself over the past 12 months or so.
Instantly refreshed following Erik ten Hag's sacking, rifling home from range in Ruud van Nistelrooy's first game in charge, the ageing star also remained a constant under Ruben Amorim, fending off Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo to remain Bruno Fernandes' regular partner.
Still likely to feature heavily over the coming months in Michael Carrick's 4-2-3-1, Casemiro will leave a real void at the base of the midfield. Can Nmecha fill it?
Felix Nmecha for Borussia Dortmund
Well, hopes of the Manchester City academy graduate being a success could well be bolstered by his likeness to another Bundesliga import to the Premier League, with analyst Ben Mattinson having stated in the past that he is "similar to [Ryan] Gravenberch".
Gravenberch, formerly of Ajax and then Bayern Munich, played a vital role in Liverpool's title success last season, having been handed prominent status by new boss Arne Slot in front of the back four.
Nmecha, at 6 foot 4, is of similar size and stature, possessing that knack, much like the Dutchman, in being able to glide his way up the pitch from deep.
Indeed, he is a "silky but powerful carrier", in the view of Mattinson, with the now Como scout having suggested last year that he could even be an able deputy to Rodri back at the Etihad, should Pep Guardiola bring him back to Manchester.
Nmecha 25/26 Bundesliga stats
Stat (*per game)
Games
Goals
Assists
Pass accuracy*
Key passes*
Tackles*
Interceptions*
Total duels won*
Possession lost*
Stats via Sofascore
That comparison to the Ballon d'Or-winning Spaniard, alongside the likeness to Gravenberch, certainly bodes well for the impact Nmecha can make in the Premier League, with United crying out for that type of physicality and power in the centre of the park.
Of course, the last player of Man City connections to arrive from Dortmund - Jadon Sancho - didn't exactly thrive at Old Trafford, yet that should not taint INEOS' pursuit of the German outfit's latest impressive talent.
Jadon-Sancho-Man-Utd
Nmecha - whose brother Lukas lines up at rivals Leeds United - might not be an Adam Wharton, an Elliot Anderson or a Carlos Baleba, but if the Red Devils are eyeing a more wildcard Casemiro successor, then he might well be an ideal pick.
Bryan Mbeumo for Manchester United Related
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