Departing Manchester United midfielder Casemiro could potentially have a major say in the club's transfer future on his way out the club
Manchester United's Brazilian midfielder #18 Casemiro celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford
Casemiro may have one final assist to play for Manchester United as he heads for the exit this summer(Image: OLI SCARFF, AFP via Getty Images)
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Casemiro could prove instrumental in Manchester United's pursuit of his potential successor should he depart this summer. United are reportedly in advanced discussions to recruit Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, with Casemiro potentially playing a crucial role.
Reports indicate the club have initiated talks with the Magpies regarding a £69million transfer for Guimaraes. The 28-year-old would represent an ideal successor to his Brazil team-mate, who confirmed in January his intention to leave United at the end of the season.
Yet competition from Real Madrid poses a threat to United's plans. Los Blancos are similarly seeking midfield reinforcements and are one of the few clubs with more magnetism in the current transfer landscape.
This is where Casemiro may be the deciding factor. The 34-year-old maintains a close relationship with Guimaraes and is clearly held in high regard by the Newcastle captain, who has achieved cult status in the north-east since his £40m transfer from Lyon in January 2022.
Discussing how he views Casemiro as an inspiration back in November 2025, Guimaraes told Globo Esporte: "His background, his titles... he's a complete player. His career speaks for itself.
"In one of my first interviews with the national team, in 2020, when I arrived, they asked if I was inspired by anyone in midfield, and I said his name: Casemiro. He's also an idol there for everything he's done, especially at Real Madrid – the five [Champions League] titles.
Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes and Dani Alves of Brazil during Brazil National football team traning, before the finale stage of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, at Juventus Training Center
Casemiro will get plenty of time with Bruno Guimaraes this summer when they venture to World Cup 2026 together(Image: Nderim Kaceli/LiveMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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"A guy that everyone who plays in the Brazilian midfield talks about, Casemiro is the guy we have to follow. So I think it's a bit of everything. He's a leader."
The duo will both feature in Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad this summer as they chase World Cup glory. United supporters will be pinning their hopes on 'Agent Casemiro' to play his part in the club's recruitment efforts while the pair are on international duty together.
It's worth noting Casemiro will inevitably harbour a soft spot for former club and United's transfer rivals, Real. Nevertheless, his current employers have a far greater need for Guimaraes' abilities right now, particularly should Casemiro honour his pledge to depart when his contract concludes in June.
Widespread speculation has suggested United and Casemiro may yet activate his one-year extension clause given the marked improvements made under Michael Carrick. Old Trafford icon Wayne Rooney recently appeared on Match of the Day and argued it would be a grave error to bring the partnership to an end at this stage, though it seems that intention remains unchanged.
Having developed such a strong bond with United and their supporters throughout his four-year spell, Casemiro may be inclined to reciprocate. And many fans would welcome nothing more than for him to leverage his distinctive position and steer Guimaraes' focus towards Manchester over Madrid.