MANCHESTER UNITED TRANSFER HUB:
Guimarães Pursuit, Casemiro U-turn & Summer 2026 Expiries

Man United’s split summer transfer window plan

In order to maximise the potential of their summer transfer window activity, Manchester United will need to qualify for the Champions League. Ruben Amorim failed to qualify for any European football at all last term, but despite some recent blips, Michael Carrick has the Red Devils on course to qualify for Europe’s top competition and secure the prize pot that comes along with it. Even so, Man United will have two plans being formulated for the summer at this stage: one that revolves around the Champions League and one that plans for life in the Europa League – or worse.

Sandro Tonali heads list of targets

One player who’ll feature on all of Man United’s shortlists this summer will be Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali. Although there’s a good chance he’ll cost over £90million, the Italian is seen as an elite replacement for Casemiro. Newcastle are looking increasingly unlikely to qualify for Europe next season, meaning that even if Man United drop out of the Premier League’s top five and only make the Europa League, a move to Old Trafford will still be a better proposition for Tonali than staying at St James’ Park. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has also been linked with United, but Football Insider understands that Manchester City are currently leading that race.

Summer 2026: Primary Targets REBUILD PHASE

Target / Position	Est. Fee / Status	Probability
Elliot Anderson Midfield (Nottm Forest)	£55m Interest cooling as rival bids escalate	LOW
Sandro Tonali Midfield (Newcastle)	£90m Top replacement for Casemiro	MEDIUM
Bruno Guimarães Midfield (Newcastle)	£80m Informal talks opened with entourage	MEDIUM
Murillo Defender (Nottm Forest)	£60m Monitoring defensive options	MONITORING

Man United contract state of play

Man United have already confirmed that Casemiro will be leaving on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer. It was announced in January that a clause in his contract to extend his stay had been waived. Tyrell Malacia and Tom Heaton could also be heading out in the coming months. Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Lisandro Martinez and club captain Bruno Fernandes are among the players whose deals are up next year.

Expiring Contracts: The Exit Horizon

Player / Position	Ends	Value (GBP)	Status
Casemiro DM	2026	£6.7m	FREE EXIT (CLAUSE WAIVED)
Tyrell Malacia LB	2026	£4.2m	FREE EXIT
Tom Heaton GK	2026	£150k	DECISION DUE
Harry Maguire CB	2027	£8.4m	CONTRACT SIGNED
Kobbie Mainoo CM	2027	£42.0m	NEGOTIATING
Bruno Fernandes AM	2027	£33.6m	CAPTAIN
Lisandro Martínez CB	2027	£33.6m	RENEWAL

All values converted from EUR to GBP (£0.84). Casemiro and the club have mutually agreed to waive his extension clause to facilitate a summer departure. Source: Transfermarkt & Official Club Announcements.