Manchester United have a major transfer issue to solve before the start of next season and planning will already be well underway.
Manchester United players were all smiles after Casemiro opened the scoring against Nottingham Forest(Image: Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Casemiro has easily been one of Manchester United’s best players this season. The 33-year-old impressed in the Europa League last term but in the Premier League, where the pace is so fast, he faltered. And yet, this season he has looked a different player in the English top flight.
He has anchored the midfield and given Bruno Fernandes the freedom to push forward. However, he has also been a threat in the opposition box. Only Bryan Mbeumo has scored more than Casemiro for United this season, but with his contract expiring next summer, the Reds have a decision to make.
United could still extend his stay by a further year. It is believed the Reds would be happy to extend his contract, but only if he was willing to agree to a pay cut. If that agreement cannot be reached, United will lose their defensive midfielder and suddenly the search for his replacement becomes a priority. So far, the likes of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba have been mentioned as options to replace Casemiro.
However, both men could cost United as much as £100m. Even with the riches that could be heading their way from Champions League qualification, it’s tough to see United shelling out that much on one player – especially when a cheaper alternative could be available.
Reports overseas claim Wolves star Joao Gomes could be valued at just £44m, considerably cheaper than the aforementioned options. If signed, Gomes would arrive at Old Trafford with the backing of United star Matheus Cunha. Cunha has spoken very highly of the central midfielder. When he was asked who Gomes reminds him of, the forward made an exciting admission.
Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes could be available in the summer
“Maybe Casemiro,” he explained. “He is a bit older now, but I put Casemiro’s name there only to show where Joao Gomes could arrive. I think Joao has the possibility to arrive. He is very humble, and he works a lot. The good teams come like a gift when you do that.”
As Cunha admitted, Gomes is not at the level of Casemiro right now, but signing a player with bags of potential is the strategy that Ineos are keen to adopt in the transfer window. Plus, signing a player for £44m when £100m price tags have been suggested for other targets would be a huge saving.
Wolves simply would not be able to keep hold of Gomes beyond this season if they are relegated. And even if they survive the drop, United should have no problem luring him to Old Trafford if they decide to make a move.
Such a significant saving would allow United to invest money in other areas of the squad. Potentially, this could be in attack, where Benjamin Sesko is without genuine competition in the forward line.
Joshua Zirkzee looks set to leave either in January or the summer, while Chido Obi is still a couple of years away from being a regular member of the first team squad. Ruben Amorim may even need to spend more money on his midfield should Kobbie Mainoo leave.
Whichever way you look at it, a move for Gomes would make a lot of sense.