Casemiro’s Manchester United exit leaves a hole in Michael Carrick’s midfield that the club are looking to fix in the transfer market this summer
Casemiro reportedly offered Manchester United some advice over his replacement before departing Old Trafford — to sign Atalanta star Ederson. The midfielder is expected to join Michael Carrick’s team later this summer in a deal worth up to £39million.
Veteran star Casemiro’s contract expires at the end of the month after he waved goodbye to supporters in May to bring his four-season spell to an end. The former Real Madrid superstar struggled at times in the Premier League but was a key part of United’s return to the Champions League as they finished third and he transformed how his time with the club is viewed.
Strengthening United’s midfield was already a priority for Carrick and the recruitment team but Casemiro’s exit ensured they are light in number of people to take charge of the centre of the pitch. Manuel Ugarte is also expected to depart, leaving Kobbie Mainoo with little company outside of more attacking options in Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.
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Atalanta and Manchester United have scheduled a ‘decisive meeting’ for Tuesday, according to reports in Brazil. The gathering should go a long way toward ironing out the finer details of a deal for the player recommended by Casemiro.
United may have to wait longer than expected to bring Ederson into their ranks, however. The 26-year-old was expected to arrive at United in time for the beginning of pre-season, but the Atalanta star received a late call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad.
Ederson has linked up with Casemiro to work under Carlo Ancelotti, and the tournament’s final does not take place until after United’s first pre-season match. As a result, the club have been forced to rethink their timetable.
The transfer could still be completed during the World Cup but it would require the player and the Brazilian football federation (CBF) to be open to the possibility. While United have agreed a four-year contract with the option of an extra year with Ederson, there remain issues to tie up.
The ex-Corinthians and Fortaleza ace, who has just three caps to his name, still needs to undergo a medical and will need to sign the paperwork to complete his transfer to Old Trafford.
A more likely timeframe would now see Ederson undergo his medical and complete any outstanding paperwork once Brazil’s World Cup is over. Then Ederson will be granted a summer break before the start of the new season.
United’s midfield moves won’t end with Ederson, however. Newcastle star Sandro Tonali and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes have both been linked with Old Trafford.
The club view the latter as a ‘highly realistic option’ following West Ham’s relegation to the Championship. They could yet face competition from Real Madrid.
A deal for Tonali may prove more difficult with the Magpies slapping a £100m price tag on the Italian midfielder.
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