Man Utd to replace Casemiro with FREE World Cup winner

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 25 Feb 2024 11:52 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United could begin their transfer business under Sir Jim Ratcliffe with a shrewd summer signing after emerging as ‘frontrunners’ to sign a World Cup-winning midfielder.

Ratcliffe is keen to overhaul United’s squad after his investment into the club was ratified by the Premier League earlier this month, however the INEOS CEO is aware that financial constraints could limit the club’s potential in the transfer market.

United will look to sell a host of deadwood to finance their business, with Casemiro among the stars who could leave, and the club will consider creative ways to replace players such as the Brazilian.

One of those options would be players with expiring contracts such as Guido Rodriguez, who is likely to leave Real Betis after the club’s president recently confirmed that talks with the 29-year-old had broken down.

And Spanish outlet Fichajes claim that United have positioned themselves as frontrunners ahead of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to sign the tough-tackling midfielder, who was part of the Argentina squad that lifted the World Cup in 2022.

Rodriguez is able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any side after entering the final six months of his contract, having proven integral to Betis during his four years at the club.

Casemiro linked with shock transfer to Real Madrid

Betis had been hoping to tie Rodriguez down to a new deal, however president Angel Hero admitted their offer was now off the table, saying: “Our proposal to extend Guido Rodriguez’s contract has expired. If he wants to stay, we will have to negotiate again with new terms.”

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano had confirmed Rodriguez was on Atletico’s shortlist in December but he now expected the player to leave Betis on a free and explore his options.

“He was on Atletico Madrid’s list in November/December, they already signed other players in that position, so let’s see what they decide with Guido now,” Romano said.

“But my expectation is for Guido to leave as free agent, so really interesting one to follow in the summer.”

Midfielders will be high on Erik ten Hag’s shortlist in the summer, with United also considering replacing Scott McTominay, while loanee Sofyan Amrabat is expected to return to Fiorentina after a disappointing spell at Old Trafford so far.

Casemiro has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, however Fichajes have also claimed that the 32-year-old could be targeted for a shock return to Real Madrid, along with teammate Raphael Varane.