Manchester United lining up shock Casemiro replacement, putting the Brazilian at risk: report
Manchester United are looking to the future this January window, with Casemiro facing the exit door
Manchester United are considering making a shock move for Casemiro's replacement in the January transfer window, putting the Brazilian midfielder's future at Old Trafford in jeopardy.
Having signed for £60m in the summer of 2022, Casemiro hit the ground running with Manchester United in his debut Premier League season. Injuries have badly affected him in 2023/24, though, with his performances inconsistent when he has played, too.
Erik ten Hag and the Manchester United board could be forced into making a decision on the 31-year-old's future at Old Trafford as a result, with discussions already taking place with his potential replacement.
According to Goal Brasil, Manchester United are interested in signing Ederson from Atalanta during the January transfer window. The Red Devils are currently in the process of "evaluating a move" for the Brazilian, who would slot right into Casemiro's preferred position.
A combative defensive midfielder who likes to sit in front of the defence, Ederson has been ever-present in Atalanta's team since joining from Salernitana back in 2022. With his influence, the Bergamo side currently sit sixth in Serie A, consequently attracting the interest of elite sides around Europe.
He still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current deal, though, meaning a deal needs to suit all three parties.
Indeed, the report suggests that the Red Devils have already made contact with Ederson's representatives about a potential move, but concluding a deal with Atalanta could prove tricky.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Manchester United have already experienced negotiations with Atalanta this season, when they signed Rasmus Hojlund for £72m in a drawn-out deal. With limited funds available in January as well, Ten Hag might have to wait until the summer to replace an ageing Casemiro in his team.
Regardless, Kobbie Mainoo has since risen to the fore in the Brazilian's absence, and could prove crucial in the second half of the season as Manchester United attempt to regain their Champions League status for next term.
Ederson is valued at just under £25m by Transfermarkt.
More Manchester United stories
Scott McTominay has told FourFourTwo how he was able to bulk up from 70kg to 85kg.
United have been joined by Chelsea in the race to sign a defender who has been compared to Raphael Varane.
And this damning stat sums up how poor United have been in the 2023/24 season.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future.