<p><strong>With his current contract at Old Trafford set to expire in less than six months, Manchester United confirmed on Thursday that Brazilian star Casemiro will depart the club following the 2025-26 season.</strong></p>The former Real Madrid midfielder has been a pivotal figure in United’s midfield this season, but his four-year stint in the red half of Manchester is coming to a close.
Acquired from Los Blancos in 2022 for a reported fee of £70 million, the 33-year-old also made headlines by scoring the first goal in United’s Carabao Cup triumph at Wembley a year later.
With Casemiro’s substantial weekly salary of £350,000 being removed from their payroll, it is confirmed that the five-time Champions League winner will leave Old Trafford at season’s end.
As preparations for their midfield overhaul this summer are underway, reports suggest that United are eyeing two England internationals.
Elliot Anderson – Nottingham Forest
Despite being entangled in a Premier League relegation struggle this season, Nottingham Forest’s midfielder Elliott Anderson, a standout talent under Sean Dyche’s management, is in high demand.
Although Anderson received a red card late in the Europa League during a 1-0 loss to Braga, the 23-year-old has emerged as a premier midfield star in the current Premier League season.
Many were surprised when he left his longtime club Newcastle for around £35 million in the summer of 2024, but he’s thriving at the City Ground.
After playing a key role in securing Nottingham Forest’s European adventures last season, he has become a fixture in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Anderson is expected to be included in the Three Lions squad for this summer’s World Cup in North America and has attracted interest from several top Premier League clubs recently.
While Nottingham Forest management is reportedly valuing his six international caps at over £100 million, there is growing speculation that he could be the ideal replacement for Casemiro this summer.
🚨🔴 Manchester United remains interested in Elliott #anderson and are taking steps to pursue him. #MUFC
Mori is notified. Fees are expected to be in the range of £100-120m.@skySportDE 🏴
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) November 10, 2025
Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace
Since joining Crystal Palace on deadline day in January 2024, Adam Wharton has quickly established himself as a rising star in England’s elite league.
The 21-year-old, considered one of Europe’s most exciting young midfield talents, has seamlessly integrated into the Palace squad.
Wharton is part of Tuchel’s Euro24 squad and is a strong candidate to partner Declan Rice in the center during the upcoming World Cup.
He has reportedly attracted notable attention from clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City this past year, and even Real Madrid has been monitoring the three-capped international’s progress.
It’s been a challenging week for Crystal Palace, with key midfield players poised to exit Selhurst Park this summer.
Just days ago, news broke that leading goal scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta is seeking to move on before the January transfer window closes, following skipper Marc Guehy’s permanent transfer to Manchester City and Oliver Glasner’s announcement of his departure at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
🚨🗣 Breaking News from Fabrizio Romano:
“Manchester United is showing interest in Adam Wharton, among other clubs, but Crystal Palace is keen to keep him for the remainder of the season.”
“Crystal Palace will monitor Wharton’s situation closely…pic.twitter.com/wzrtjsFnZD
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) October 13, 2025
</div><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>Fan Take: This news highlights a significant shift for Manchester United as they prepare for the future, moving on from experienced players like Casemiro. Fans should keep a close eye on emerging talents like Anderson and Wharton, as their potential transfer could reshape the competitive landscape of the Premier League.
