There will be big changes to Manchester United’s midfield next summer.
Koby Mainu looks set to remain at Old Trafford, but his partner in the middle of the park, Casemiro, is set to leave as his contract expires at the end of the season.
Replacing the Brazilian will not be easy. Not only does he have a lot of experience, he is also a winner.
Casemiro led United to two trophies during his time at the club and made a key contribution in 147 games wearing the famous red shirt.
United have already named a number of candidates to replace him, with a new name recently revealed.
United aim to replace new £20m Carlos Baleva
There is one name that is consistently associated with United. Carlos Baleva of Brighton & Hove Albion.
It has once again been reported that the Red Devils want to sign the Cameroonian star in a deal worth £100m.
But there may be cheaper options for the 13-time Premier League champions. United are among the clubs interested in signing Club Brugge midfielder Aleksandar Stankovic after he was caught offside, according to reports in Italy.
They reportedly “went over to see him and scouted him live.”
However, they’re not the only ones in the competition. Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur have also shown strong interest, but Inter hold all the cards.
After leaving Milan last summer, he has a buy-back clause worth £20m in 2026 and £22m the following year. His old family certainly holds power in this deal.
Why Stankovic is a better contract than Baleva
Stankovic, 20, is the son of former Inter star and 2009/10 treble winner Dejan, but has already established himself as a top midfield player. Since moving to Belgium this season, he has been shining in the middle of the park.
The Milan-born midfielder has already made 35 appearances in all competitions this season, the majority of them sitting at the base of midfield. He averages 30 full minutes of 90 minutes, underscoring his importance to the team.
He is also a great source of goals and assists. The Serbian international, who has four caps, has scored seven times this season and provided a further four assists.
He has a lot of quality on the ball, which was highlighted by his contribution in the final third goal.
If United were to choose between Baleva and Stankovic, the Brugge midfielder would probably be the better option.
Not only because his transfer fee could be up to £80m cheaper, but also because he has had a much more impressive season than the struggling Brighton star.
This is not to say that Baleva is not good enough to play in the middle of the park in the Old Trafford side. His importance to the Seagulls, who have played 18 times in the top flight this term, is clear.
Still, only once did he complete 90 minutes, compared to 17 times in the 2024/25 season.
The basic numbers from this season’s top-flight football suggest that Stankovic would make a better addition than Baleva.
For example, he creates an average of 1.15 chances and has a duel win rate of 59.4% per 90 minutes. In contrast, Baleva creates an average of 0.27 chances and wins just 48.2% of his duels.
Comparison of key statistics between Stanković and Valeva | ||
|---|---|---|
State (per 90) | stankovic | Baleba |
touch | 69.6 | 54.38 |
Long ball completed | 3.95 | 1.52 |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.15 | 0.27 |
Duel win rate | 59.4% | 48.2% |
won an aerial battle | 2.14 | 1.25 |
Fotmob statistics | ||
Baleva will undoubtedly be a strong midfield addition at Old Trafford, but given his quality on the ball, they will likely turn to Stankovic instead. The Serbian star is able to dictate play from his base in midfield, while also being effective when not in possession.
The price will also certainly be much lower, so United may see this as a deal they should agree to. Stankovic will bring quality in possession and will definitely strengthen the midfield, even without Casemiro.
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