Seven midfielders Man United could buy next summer amid Casemiro exit hint: Wharton, Gomes…

Seven midfielders Man United could buy next summer amid Casemiro exit hint: Wharton, Gomes…

In 2025, Manchester United will be looking for a new midfield player because Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford is questionable.

After joining from Real Madrid, the Brazil international made an immediate impression at United, but over the past 18 months, he has struggled with form and health.

He was replaced at halftime in their 3-0 loss to Liverpool, where he had a particularly bad performance and was responsible for two of the goals.

With two years remaining on his deal, the 32-year-old could still depart United in the January transfer window or the summer after that.

To replace Casemiro and partner with players like Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, United may seek these seven midfielders.

Adam Wharton
Wharton joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers in the January transfer window and has made a seamless transition to Premier League football.

His performances at Selhurst Park in the second half of the 2023/24 season won a lot of plaudits and also earned him a place in the England squad for Euro 2024.

“He’s an incredible player to play with,” team-mate Eberechi Eze said. “Playing with him at Palace, I’ve got used to seeing the way he plays and understanding him. He’s very calm, composed and a joy to play with.

“For someone so young, he’s very mature and very wise. When you speak to him, it feels like you’re speaking to someone older than you, that’s the type of person he is. He’s an incredible player.”

United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have all been credited with an interest in the 20-year-old midfielder.

If United win the race for Wharton’s signature, he could form a brilliant partnership with Kobbie Mainoo at both club and international level.

Joao Gomes
Since joining Wolves from Flamengo in January 2023, Gomes has established himself as one of the best ball-winners in the Premier League.

He has the affectionate nickname of ‘The Pitbull’ as his style of play is typified by his work rate and desire to win back possession.

The midfielder – who can play as a No.6 or in a box-to-box role – averaged 4.3 successful tackles per 90 minutes in the Premier League in 2023/24.

Reports in the British tabloids revealed that United watched him several times last season, and he is valued at around £40million.

The 23-year-old has taken Casemiro’s place in the Brazil squad in recent months and could now replace his compatriot at Old Trafford.

Exequiel Palacios
While Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong have been the standout performers for Bayer Leverkusen in recent months, Palacios has also been an unsung hero in Xabi Alonso’s team.

He has built a brilliant midfield partnership with Granit Xhaka and his performances helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal in 2023/24.

The 25-year-old also possesses considerable international pedigree, having formed part of the Argentina team which lifted the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He has reportedly attracted the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including United, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

But Leverkusen won’t want to sell the combative midfielder and he is under contract at the BayArena until 2028, which puts them in a strong position.

Morten Hjulmand
Hjumland replaced Ugarte at Sporting CP in the summer of 2023 and enjoyed a brilliant debut season, helping Ruben Amorim’s side win the Primeira Liga.

The Denmark international also showcased his abilities at Euro 2024 and scored a brilliant goal in their 1-1 draw with England in the group stage.

He has now been named club captain at Sporting and is under contract until 2028, although that deal includes a £67.2million release clause.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that United have been scouting the 25-year-old, who has also been linked with Tottenham and Arsenal.

“I’d say that it is a destination I could see myself going to in the future,” Hjulmand said when asked about a move to Eng