There will be a lot of change in the midfield for Manchester United next summer.
Whilst it seems like Kobbie Mainoo will stay at Old Trafford, his partner in the centre of the park, Casemiro, is set to depart, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
The Brazilian will not be an easy man to replace. Not only does he bring plenty of experience, but he is a winner, too.
Casemiro has helped to guide United to two trophies during his time at the club, making some vital contributions in his 147 games in that famous Red shirt.
Casemiro-Man-Utd-Man-City
United are already lining up some potential replacements, with a new name identified recently.
United target new £20m Carlos Baleba alternative
There has been one name that has consistently been linked with United; Brighton and Hove Albion man Carlos Baleba.
It is once again being reported that the Red Devils want the Cameroonian star in a £100m deal.
Man-Utd-dream-summer-XI-deadline-day
However, there might be a cheaper option for the 13-time Premier League champions. According to reports in Italy, via Caught Offside, United are one of the clubs to have shown an interest in signing Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic.
They have reportedly ‘gone to watch him and scout him live.’
Stankovic
However, they aren’t the only club in the race. Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur are also showing keen interest, but it is Inter who hold all the cards.
After leaving Milan last summer, they have a buyback clause worth £20m in 2026, and £22m the year after. His former club certainly hold the power in this deal.
Why Stankovic would be a better signing than Baleba
20-year-old Stankovic is the son of former Inter star and 2009/10 treble winner Dejan, though he is already making a name for himself as a top midfield player. After moving to Belgium this term, he’s shone in the middle of the park.
Club Brugge's Aleksandar Stankovic in action with Arsenal's Mikel Merino
The Milan-born midfielder has played 35 times across all competitions already this season, more often than not sitting at the base of the midfield. He’s played an average of 30 full 90 minutes, really highlighting his importance to his side.
He’s been a huge source of goals and assists, too. The four-cap Serbia international has found the back of the net seven times this term and assisted a further four.
He has quality in abundance on the ball, highlighted by his final third contributions.
If United were to pick between Baleba and Stankovic, then perhaps the Brugge midfielder is the better option.
Not only would that be because he could cost up to £80m less, but he’s had a far more impressive campaign than the Brighton star, who has struggled.
carlos-baleba-brighton-premier-league
This is not to say that Baleba is not good enough to play in the middle of the park for the Old Trafford side. His importance to the Seagulls, for whom he’s played 18 times in the top flight this term, is clear to see.
Yet, he’s completed 90 minutes just once, compared to 17 times in 2024/25.
The underlying numbers from top-flight football this season suggest Stankovic would make a better addition than Baleba, too.
For example, he’s averaging 1.15 chances created and has a duel win rate of 59.4% per 90 minutes. In contrast, Baleba is averaging 0.27 chances created and wins just 48.2% of his duels.
Stankovic & Baleba key stats compared
Stat (per 90)
Touches
Long balls completed
Chances created
Duel win rate
Aerial duels won
Stats from Fotmob
There is no doubt that Baleba would make a strong addition to the midfield at Old Trafford, but with the quality he has on the ball, perhaps they’ll turn to Stankovic instead. The Serbian star can dictate the play from the base of midfield, whilst still being effective out of possession.
The price would surely be far lower, too, so United might see this as the deal to go with. Stankovic would bring quality in possession and certainly enhance the midfield, even in Casemiro’s absence.
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