Manchester United Urged to Raid Newcastle for £42m Midfielder
Manchester United have received strong advice to pursue a £42 million transfer move for Newcastle United's Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes as they prepare for life without Casemiro. The veteran Brazilian announced last month that he will be leaving Old Trafford at the end of the current season after four years with the club.
Searching for a Midfield Replacement
While Casemiro's time at Manchester United has been marked by both highs and lows, his resurgence and impressive performances this season have created a significant void in the Red Devils' midfield that must be addressed. The club was already in the market for central midfield reinforcements, having attempted to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton during the summer transfer window.
Casemiro's imminent departure now makes securing a star midfielder a crucial priority alongside Manchester United's ongoing search for a new permanent manager. Baleba remains a potential target for the summer, while the club has also shown interest in English midfielders Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton.
Saha's Recommendation: Guimaraes as 'Monster' Replacement
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has publicly advocated for the signing of Bruno Guimaraes, describing the Newcastle player as an ideal, ready-made replacement for Casemiro in central midfield. Saha also mentioned Guimaraes' teammate Sandro Tonali as an alternative option.
'I've always been a big fan and defender of Casemiro,' Saha told AceOdds. 'He was asked to do one too many roles in the last two years, but that's been cut and now he's settled and his role is defined. He's proved he's a world-class player and I understand why the fans want him to stay.'
'United need aggressiveness and someone that will dictate the midfield. I see someone more like [Sandro] Tonali or [Bruno] Guimaraes, who are two monsters in midfield.'
The Guimaraes Profile and Contract Situation
Bruno Guimaraes, who joined Newcastle United for £42 million in 2022, has developed into a pivotal player for Eddie Howe's side and was appointed club captain in 2024. The 28-year-old Brazilian has contributed nine goals and four assists in the Premier League this season and is under contract until June 2028.
Saha emphasized the importance of experience alongside younger players like Kobbie Mainoo: 'With players like [Kobbie] Mainoo, you need someone alongside him who has the experience and vision to manage the transition when Casemiro goes. You need that experience, directness and decisiveness. It'll be hard to replace.'
'If you bring in a young player, it's a disruption. It's great for the future, but you need experience. If Casemiro goes, I think a combination of [Adam] Wharton and Guimaraes would be great because Guimaraes is more of a captain.'
Tonali as Alternative Option
Sandro Tonali, Guimaraes' Newcastle teammate, has also emerged as a potential target. The Italian midfielder reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal during the January transfer window, and his agent Giuseppe Riso has hinted that his client might consider a move away from St James' Park if Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League.
'Newcastle are having a hard time letting go of Sandro, and he wants to lead the club to the Champions League,' Riso recently stated. 'We'll evaluate and decide what to do in the summer. These transfer discussions will take place later.'
'We'll see how the season ends and then we'll decide what to do. There's no preference at the moment. It's still early. What we're saying today won't apply tomorrow. Newcastle couldn't let him go now, and there's no point in moving, especially since Sandro is very attached to the club.'
As Manchester United prepare for a summer of significant squad rebuilding, the midfield position appears to be a primary focus, with experienced Premier League performers like Bruno Guimaraes emerging as leading candidates to fill the void left by Casemiro's departure.
