Casemiro replacement identified by Man United as 26-year-old becomes transfer target | OneFootball

Manchester United are gearing up for a massive summer rebuild, and it looks like their midfield is getting the most attention. With veteran Casemiro ready to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, the Red Devils are actively hunting for a long-term replacement.

Although other positions in the squad also need attention, it is the midfield that will be the biggest focus of the club in the summer transfer window.

Man United target move for Atalanta midfielder

According to talkSPORT, Man United have added Atalanta’s dynamic Brazilian midfielder, Éderson, to their summer wishlist.

Éderson has been an absolute standout for Atalanta since joining them back in January 2022. He’s a relentless, box-to-box presence who excels at breaking up play and driving the ball forward.

United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is reportedly a massive admirer of the Brazil international and is closely monitoring his situation.

The financial timing makes a lot of sense, too. Éderson is rapidly approaching the final 12 months of his current contract, which is set to expire in June 2027.

Because of this, Atalanta are naturally looking to cash in, slapping a valuation of around €40m to €50m (£35m-£45m) on their star man.

Interestingly, Atlético Madrid previously agreed on personal terms with the player, but the Spanish giants simply refused to meet Atalanta’s hefty €45m asking price.

There have even been wild whispers floating around about a potential summer swap deal that could see Joshua Zirkzee head to Italy in exchange for Éderson.

Brazilian midfielder would be ideal Casemiro replacement

Bringing in Éderson might just be the tip of the iceberg for United, as the club genuinely intends to sign two new central midfielders this summer.

With Manuel Ugarte struggling for minutes and potentially facing the exit door via a sale or loan, the Old Trafford hierarchy is casting a wide net.

Other prominent names heavily featured on their radar include Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.

For a heavily scrutinised Man United squad desperate to inject some much-needed energy and grit into the center of the park, Éderson looks like a brilliant, tailor-made fit.

If they can successfully outmaneuver their European rivals and negotiate a fair fee with Atalanta, the Brazilian enforcer could be the exact profile they need to finally anchor their midfield in the post-Casemiro era.