Manchester United’s top priority in the 2026 summer transfer window is finding a top-class replacement for Casemiro in midfield.
Casemiro confirmed he is leaving at the end of the season, meaning that Manchester United have a void to fill in midfield.
There are as many as 17 midfield targets on United’s radar, one of which is Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes.
According to AS, Casemiro has personally recommended Guimaraes as his replacement at United having played with him in the Brazil national team.
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United have also shown interest in Sandro Tonali, but it seems Casemiro would rather his compatriot Guimaraes make the switch from Newcastle to Manchester.
The report adds that Newcastle have opened talks with Guimaraes over a new contract, but so far negotiations with the 28-year-old have stalled.
Guimaraes made his move to Newcastle in 2022 in a £40m deal, and he has gone on to become the club captain and a fan favourite at St James’ Park.
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United face Newcastle in Tyneside on Wednesday evening, but Guimaraes is a doubt because of a hamstring injury, so he is unlikely to go head-to-head with Casemiro in midfield.
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Bruno Guimaraes has a £100m release clause
United showed interest in Guimaraes in 2022 before he made his move to Newcastle, and Ineos now have an opportunity to reignite that interest this summer.
Arch-rivals Manchester City were heavily linked with Guimaraes in 2024, and it was revealed then that the Brazilian has a £100 million release clause in his contract.
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Assuming that Guimaraes doesn’t sign a new deal, that release clause should still be active in 2026.
Newcastle are unlikely to accept a lower fee for Guimaraes, so United know that a £100m fee will be required if they are going to follow Casemiro’s suggestion.
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