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Manchester United ready to part ways with veteran on a Bosman; 2026 exit likely

Originally posted on We All Follow United
By Rohit Sarkar | Last updated Sep 28, 2025 8:10 AM ET

Manchester United will let Casemiro leave for free when his contract expires in 2026

Casemiro’s time at Manchester United is nearing its end, and the decision arrived earlier than many expected. After arriving with fanfare and lifting the EFL Cup in his debut season, the Brazilian midfielder brought experience and a competitive edge to a squad that had long craved leadership.

Yet, Fichajes report that the United hierarchy decided not to renew his contract, and the club now wants to move his wages off the books. The club wants to reshape the squad, and Casemiro’s decline in consistency pushed the process forward.

Fans who once viewed him as the heartbeat of midfield now see him as a fading influence, often struggling to impose control in matches. The report adds that the club could let him leave as early as January, which is a sharp contrast to the optimism of his early months. United are not limiting this approach to him alone, as they plan to move on several other senior players, signalling a profound overhaul.

This approach matches a wider pattern, as recent updates reveal that Barcelona want to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United, while earlier we highlighted that Manchester United will let Jadon Sancho leave for free next summer. The midfield reshuffle is clearly central to the new strategy, and Casemiro’s exit is set to be one of the first major calls in that process.

Why Ederson looks like the successor United need?

Casemiro has had a mixed spell at Old Trafford, and it feels like a transitional chapter. After the Brazilian’s suspension post a red card against Chelsea, Casemiro has faced a lot of questions for his recklessness, long spells on the bench, and also not being able to cover extensive ground of late. The midfielder also wants a new chapter, and United refused to trigger the extension clause that would keep him an extra year. At 33, and on high wages, he no longer fits the team’s future.

United have already shifted their attention to possible successors. They have been looking at names like Javi Guerra, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Ederson. Among them, Ederson from Atalanta is a strong candidate who can replace him. His energy, defensive cover, and forward drive make him ideal for a side that wants to press with more intensity.

The Atalanta midfielder’s performances in Europe during the 2024-25 campaign boosted his reputation, and his traits suits Ruben Amorim’s system, which demands far greater speed and urgency in midfield. Reports suggest United are ready to offer €60m (£50m) in the summer to secure him. While the club lines up younger targets and long-term investments like Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF, Ederson feels like the player who could step in immediately and offer balance.

This article first appeared on We All Follow United and was syndicated with permission.

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