Manchester United plan £65m move to replace Casemiro, who despised Liverpool | Soccer | Sports

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Choameni is high on Manchester United’s list of potential successors to Casemiro, according to a new report. It has been widely suggested that United’s main objective this summer is to overhaul their midfield. One player who will need a replacement is Brazilian veteran Casemiro, who will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer.

And the Telegraph claims France international Choameni is being considered as Casemiro’s successor. The midfielder’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu could depend on whether Ballon d’Or winner Rodri leaves Manchester City this summer. Rodri, whose contract expires at the end of next season, cast doubt on his prospects with City last month after being asked about the possibility of joining Real Madrid, saying: “I can’t turn down the best club in the world.”

But then manager Josep Guardiola insisted the Spain international would sign a new contract with City, but said he would not block the midfielder’s path if the La Liga giants were to swoop in. Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandes have also been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Choameny, who is valued at £65m by Transfermarkt, will be tied to Madrid until 2028. However, claims from the Spanish side in recent weeks suggest Los Blancos are open to signing club and country team-mate Eduardo Camavinga as an alternative means of raising funds.

The 26-year-old, who won the Champions League and La Liga during his four years at Madrid, recently spoke candidly about his difficulties at the Bernabéu over the past few seasons. “I was made a scapegoat. For the first 10-20 minutes, every time I touched the ball there was booing from the stadium.

“The situation either destroys you or you think, ‘That’s what it is.’ Let’s see what I can control. The only thing I can control is my performance. The level of pressure at Real Madrid is something different. People will talk about everything you do, good or bad.”

Choameni refused to join Liverpool in 2022 and instead moved to La Liga. He signed for £68m plus additional bonuses and explained at the time: “As soon as Real Madrid arrived on the scene, I did not hesitate. I want to leave my mark on the world of football and Real Madrid is the best club for that. It is the best decision for me.”

The Telegraph adds that United are aiming to sign at least two midfielders this summer, and could sign a third if Manuel Ugarte leaves. City and United are keeping an eye on Elliott Anderson’s development in preparation for a summer swoop for the £100m-valued Nottingham Forest star.

Since joining Forest from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024, Anderson has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League. City want him to replace Bernardo Silva, who, like United’s Casemiro, is set to leave the Etihad as a free agent this summer.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be pursuing Anderson this summer, but a head-to-head battle between City and United is widely expected.

However, as revealed recently, Guardiola’s side are understood to be firmly in the lead in the pursuit of Anderson. The 23-year-old is expected to leave the City Ground this summer, regardless of whether Forest manage to avoid his exit, and is likely to start for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad at the World Cup.

Adam Wharton has also been linked with a move to United after his impressive spell at Crystal Palace. The England midfielder is also a target for rivals Liverpool and is seen as having a strong resemblance to Coby Mainu. Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali is also respected by United recruiters.