REPLACING CASEMIRO: ANALYZING THE STATS OF CARLOS BALEBA, WHARTON, AND ELLIOT ANDERSON FOR 2026
Manchester United target Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton for a £200m midfield overhaul as Casemiro departs.
Manchester United want to sign two out of Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton this summer, with those three lined up as possible replacements for Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder made it clear he’s leaving Old Trafford after four years.
Bruno Fernandes’ future isn’t settled either. United’s captain has a £52 million release clause for clubs outside the Premier League, which could come into play.
So, here’s the likely shortlist for a revamped United midfield: Nottingham Forest’s Anderson, Brighton’s Baleba, and Crystal Palace’s Wharton. All three have caught the eye in the Premier League over the past year and a half, but none will come cheaply.
During the White and Jordan show, Sam Matterface explained, “They’re interested in Anderson, Baleba, and Wharton, and apparently, they expect to get two of them. It’ll cost around £200 million.”
Alex Crook, talkSPORT’s Chief Football Correspondent, agreed, “Yeah, sounds about right.” When asked how United can afford that, Crook pointed to Casemiro’s wages coming off the books and the likelihood of getting some money for Marcus Rashford. Jadon Sancho and Rashford’s wages would also free up a chunk of cash. Then there’s Bruno Fernandes. If a European club triggers his release clause, United could decide to cash in on their captain to strengthen the midfield. Crook added, “Personally, I wouldn’t do that. You saw in the Manchester derby how good Bruno is. Put some real quality around him, and he’ll only improve.”
Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor weighed in too. He’d go for Anderson over his England teammate Wharton. “I’m picking Elliot Anderson,” Agbonlahor said. “I like Wharton, but he’s not the guy who’ll get around the pitch and win the ball back. He’s great on the ball, but United need someone with real energy.”
United have been chasing midfield reinforcements for a while. Casemiro’s age, Manuel Ugarte’s struggles, and Kobbie Mainoo not being favoured by former boss Ruben Amorim have kept the search going. They were interested in Baleba last summer, but Brighton asked for at least £100 million. Anderson will likely cost a similar amount unless Forest gets relegated. Wharton might be a bit cheaper, but with his recent performances, he’ll still carry a hefty price tag.
So, it looks like United are gearing up for another wild transfer window. Just last year, they splashed out £216 million on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Senne Lammens. This summer? Expect more fireworks.
WHY MARCUS RASHFORD IS OFFICIALLY SNUBBING MICHAEL CARRICK’S MANCHESTER UNITED SOS RETURN PLEA
Marcus Rashford has no interest in a Manchester United return. Discover why he’s choosing a permanent £26m move to Barcelona instead.
Marcus Rashford isn’t looking back at Manchester United. After his loan to Barcelona, he’s made it pretty clear he wants to stay in Spain for good.
He landed at Barca last summer, a move that made sense after things soured for him at Old Trafford. Hansi Flick brought him in on a season-long loan, with a deal in place to buy him for €30 million (£26 million). Rashford wasted no time showing his worth—22 goal contributions in 32 games. He’s settled in fast, and the fans have noticed.
Earlier on, it sounded like Barcelona might try to haggle over the fee, maybe push for another loan or a cheaper deal. But now, according to Marca, that’s off the table. The club’s ready to pay what they agreed and make Rashford’s move permanent. Rashford wants it too. Everyone seems to be on the same page.
The Mirror reports Rashford has zero interest in heading back to Manchester. He wants his future sorted before England sets off for the 2026 World Cup in North America. No surprise there—he’s not looking to drag things out.
England’s first match is June 17 against Croatia, just two weeks after Barcelona’s season wraps up. Some talk suggested Michael Carrick, if he gets the United job permanently, could try to lure Rashford back. But honestly, Rashford’s mind is made up. He wants Spain, and that’s that.
Even if the Barcelona deal somehow falls through, Rashford would rather move elsewhere than wear United’s shirt again. If everything goes as planned, his transfer will be United’s first big move this summer.
He’s not the only one heading out. Casemiro’s already confirmed he’s leaving, and a few others might follow. United have juggled rumours about guys like Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kobbie Mainoo, especially back in January. After Ruben Amorim left, Mainoo actually found himself in a stronger spot at United and has started every match since Carrick came back. Lately, there’s been a real push to get him into the England squad.
Meanwhile, United are fighting for a Champions League spot. If they make the top five, they’ll have more cash to play with this summer. Last year, they spent over £200 million beefing up the squad, even without European football.
If Rashford, Ugarte, and Zirkzee all leave, United will have even more flexibility to reshape the team. Top priorities? A central midfielder, a centre-forward, and a left winger before the 2026/27 season kicks off. This summer’s shaping up to be busy at Old Trafford.
COLE PALMER "OPEN" TO MANCHESTER UNITED SWITCH AMID HOMESICK RUMORS
Cole Palmer is reportedly open to a summer move to boyhood club Manchester United as claims of homesickness emerge at Chelsea.
Cole Palmer just can’t seem to escape transfer talk. Now, it’s Manchester United in the headlines, with rumours swirling that he’s homesick after spending two and a half years at Chelsea.
Apparently, Palmer wouldn’t mind a big summer move to United—his boyhood club—especially with fresh claims that he’s not exactly settled in London. He joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5 million deal and quickly became one of their main attacking threats. But now, the England international’s name keeps popping up in connection to a return up north.
The Sun says Palmer would be open if United came calling, since he grew up supporting them. But don’t expect him to head back to City while Pep Guardiola’s still the boss. That door’s basically closed.
It’s worth noting that Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, knows Palmer well from his time at City’s academy. Wilcox is a big fan—hard not to be, after Palmer racked up 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.
Despite signing a new deal with Chelsea last year that runs until 2033, Palmer reportedly misses his hometown of Wythenshawe.
Injuries have made this season tough for him. He’s only managed 13 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, and he missed Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday because of a thigh problem. Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s new head coach, confirmed that before the match.
Rosenior’s already tried to put a lid on the transfer rumours, especially the talk about Palmer being homesick. “I’ve spoken to Cole plenty of times, and he seems really happy here,” Rosenior said last week. “He’s a huge part of our long-term plans.
“My job—and the club’s—is to help him consistently play at his best. He was frustrated after the Brentford game, for sure. We need to take care of him, and that’s why I kept him out of the last match.”