Manchester United may need to sell midfielder Casemiro in order to purchase Paris Saint-Germain star Manuel Ugarte this summer, according to The Guardian.
The Red Devils are in the transfer market for a new defensive midfielder. Ugarte has recently emerged as a top target, but the club are yet to make an official bid.
It is now reported that the purchase of Ugarte could depend on Casemiro’s exit. The Uruguay international is valued at £38 million by Paris Saint-Germain.
A loan deal for the 23-year-old midfielder could also be an option.
Casemiro had a brilliant debut season with United where he stood out with his offensive and defensive contributions. However, he struggled to find the same consistency last term.
The Brazilian was guilty of losing possession in the opposition half. He was also caught out of position many times and was dribbled past more than two occasions per league game.
United would ideally like to replace him with a marquee signing, but the transfer funds are limited.
Casemiro, who was hailed as a ‘massive‘ player by manager Erik ten Hag in May 2023, has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League for some period of time.
However, there are no genuine proposals on the table, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Hence, United seem unlikely to get his huge salary off their wage bill and may have to consider a loan approach for Ugarte, who appears open to joining the club this summer.
Ugarte, who has been described as a ‘tireless‘ midfielder by Paris Saint-Germain’s official website, would be an upgrade on Casemiro with his vastly better distribution and ball control.
The Uruguayan has a high work rate from the number six position and has the knack for making recoveries when dispossessed. He would be a quality acquisition for the club.
Paris Saint-Germain could open the door for an initial loan deal with an option to buy if they manage to secure the signing of Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves in the coming days.
Neves, who has also been on United’s radar, has given the green light to join the French champions.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
