Manchester United are searching for a long term replacement of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
The iconic midfielder is set to leave the club at the end of the season having impressed during his spell at Old Trafford.
However, his time in the Premier League is now coming to an end and the deep search has started to replace him at the club.
Carlos Baleba of Brighton is one of the names on Man United’s radar to replace Casemiro, having held long term interest in the young midfielder, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
The 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder has enjoyed a strong campaign, establishing himself as a key figure in Brighton’s system.
After high-profile sales like Moisés Caicedo in recent years, the Seagulls are once again preparing for a potentially huge transfer, with Baleba now attracting serious interest from across Europe.
Baleba is high in demand among Premier League elites
Baleba’s rise this season has been impressive. Featuring in 28 Premier League matches, he has showcased the kind of consistency and composure that top clubs look for in a defensive midfielder.
His 86% passing accuracy highlights his reliability in possession, while his ability to break up play and shield the defense has made him one of Brighton’s most important players.
What stands out most is his balance. Baleba isn’t just a defensive presence, he’s also capable of progressing the ball forward and supporting attacking transitions.
That combination of physical strength and technical quality has drawn comparisons to elite holding midfielders, which explains why clubs are lining up to secure his signature.
Man United are leading the race for Baleba
Man United are believed to be leading the race. The club has been searching for a long-term midfield solution, especially with Casemiro leaving.
United view Baleba as a potential cornerstone of their rebuild, a player who can anchor the midfield for years to come. There is also talk that the player himself is open to the move, with interest dating back to last summer.
The management team at Red Devils see Baleba as the ‘new Casemiro’.
Brighton, however, are known for their tough negotiating stance. While earlier reports suggested a €100 million valuation, more recent updates indicate the club could consider offers in the €75-80 million range.
Even so, they are unlikely to accept anything significantly below that figure, given Baleba’s importance and long-term potential.
Other clubs are also monitoring the situation. Arsenal and Chelsea have both shown interest in the past, while scouts from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have followed his progress closely.
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I think Baleba should be the one to replace Casemiro. He has everything a DM needs, and he can be our anchor for years to come. Then we could add some of our academy players to the panel. Kone for DM cover, and Thwaites as a more AM role. These youngsters are the future of this great club, and they need to be bedded into the side next season and not sent out on loan. Obi should be our second striker, and we should also add some defenders from the academy/under 21s to our panel.
let’s forget the fact he’s been shite this year eh!
let’s forget the fact he’s been shite this season and remind ourselves you have feckall else to write about!
Baleba is an exceptionally gifted midfielder who fully deserves a place at Manchester United. His composure, athleticism, and tactical maturity make him a natural fit for a club seeking long‑term stability and dynamism in the center of the pitch.
In addition to him, the club should strongly consider securing Sandro Tonali as Casemiro’s long‑term successor. Tonali requires no elaborate introduction—his presence alone elevates the tempo and intelligence of any midfield. He is consistently creative, purposeful in possession, and displays an innate understanding of spatial control and ball progression. His decision‑making is sharp, and he always seems to know exactly what to do the moment the ball reaches his feet.
Furthermore, Ederson stands out as another formidable talent the United management should prioritize in this transfer window. He is explosively creative, capable of scoring from virtually any angle, and possesses the kind of technical unpredictability that unsettles even the most disciplined defenses. His energy levels are astonishing—when he is on the field, he plays with such intensity that it feels as though he operates on an entirely different engine.
For the attacking department, the club should also turn its attention to Mika Godts, Maghnes Akliouche, Kees Smit, and Andreas Schjelderup. These young attackers are remarkably inventive, capable of carving out goal‑scoring opportunities even when the backline is tightly packed. Their agility, speed, and ability to strike from difficult angles make them constant threats in the final third. Each of them brings a unique blend of creativity, precision, and acceleration that could significantly elevate United’s attacking depth and unpredictability.
Collectively, these players represent a forward‑thinking recruitment strategy—one built on intelligence, creativity, and long‑term potential.
He doesn’t score enough goals for me. On that basis he is not a replacement for Casemiro.
It depends which other midfielder they acquire. Tonal or Fernandes, then maybe!
I’m sure Mr Wilcox is on the case!