Forget Elliot Anderson - Man United could replace Casemiro with wonderkid wanted by Arsenal and Liverpool
Man United have been linked to signing Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson to be their long-term replacement for Casemiro.
Man United’s midfield is a big talking point heading into the January transfer window, with reports suggesting that Ruben Amorim would like to add a holding midfielder who can be the long-term replacement for 33-year-old Casemiro.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as someone who can fill that void; however, Forest could set a price tag of over £100m on the England international. With that in mind, United are likely to consider other targets in the January transfer window.
Casemiro has shown that he is capable of showing that he’s good enough for the rest of the season, so perhaps it is time for Amorim to look at a long-term replacement for the Brazilian midfielder, with a wonderkid who could become world-class in the years to come.
Man United should replace Casemiro with Bouaddi
One name who is beginning to become more and more of a household name is Lille FC midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has been impressing in Ligue 1 this season. The 18-year-old has made 10 league appearances for Lille this season, and has been playing regularly in a holding midfield role for the French side.
According to the Daily Briefing, Man United are amongst a group of 12 European clubs who are monitoring the midfielder, including Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool. Bayern Munich and PSG are also named, showing just how talented this kid is, as all the top clubs in Europe are keen. He has an estimated market value of around £30m to £35m, making him significantly cheaper than Anderson, too.
Bouaddi could come in during the January window and learn under the guidance of Casemiro, before the Brazilian likely leaves the club in the summer when his contract at Old Trafford expires.
Casemiro is expected to leave in the summer
The idea that Man United could extend Casemiro’s contract hasn’t been ruled out completely, but seeing as he is 33, and closing in on the end of his career, United aren’t likely to offer him more than one year on top of his current contract.
Reports have said that United would only sign Casemiro to a new contract if he were to take a pay cut, as the midfielder is currently on a deal worth around £350,000 per week at Old Trafford, making him the highest-paid player for United this season.
The Brazilian has performed well as of late, but due to his hefty salary and the fact that he is getting up in age. Reports in the summer linked Casemiro with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, where he could have re-united with former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
A move to the Saudi Pro League feels like a likely outcome for the Brazilian midfielder, especially as he won’t be focusing on making the Brazil national team for the World Cup after this summer.