With Casemiro’s £350k-a-week salary off the books, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to sanction a massive £120m+ midfield rebuild.
Manchester United’s midfield is set for a radical transformation this summer. Following Casemiro’s official announcement that he will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, the club’s hierarchy has already identified his successors: Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba.
According to TeamTalk, the Red Devils are planning to secure both players in the July window. The departure of the Brazilian veteran, who currently earns a staggering £350,000 per week, will provide the necessary financial headroom for this double investment.
A New Philosophy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe
The move signals a clear shift in Manchester United’s recruitment strategy. Instead of chasing aging superstars, the club is now targeting high-ceiling Premier League talents.
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace): The midfield maestro, recently linked with Real Madrid, is valued at over €70 million. He offers elite ball progression and a composure that United has lacked in deep positions.
- Carlos Baleba (Brighton): Seen as the “natural heir” to Casemiro’s physical presence, the 1.83m powerhouse brings tackling intensity and athleticism. Brighton is expected to demand at least £50 million for the youngster.
Complementary Profiles
The vision of the INEOS sporting department is to pair Wharton and Baleba together. While Baleba provides the defensive shield and ball recovery, Wharton acts as the “metronome,” controlling the tempo and distributing play. This duo would represent a decade-long solution for a midfield that has been criticized for years.
Financial Hurdles
Despite the salary savings from Casemiro’s exit, signing both players will be a significant financial undertaking. Totaling well over £120 million, United may need to sanction further player sales potentially involving high earners like Antony or Jadon Sancho to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
As Casemiro prepares for a potential swan song in Brazil or the Saudi Pro League, the stage is set for a new, younger Manchester United to emerge in 2026.
James Horan is a football writer focused on the Premier League transfer market, covering confirmed signings, transfer rumors, and club strategies during the transfer windows.
