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Today — 5 May 2026Main stream

Sources: Man United ready to sign ‘new Casemiro’ from Premier League rivals in record-breaking move

5 May 2026 at 09:38

Manchester United are searching for a long term replacement of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.

The iconic midfielder is set to leave the club at the end of the season having impressed during his spell at Old Trafford.

However, his time in the Premier League is now coming to an end and the deep search has started to replace him at the club.

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Carlos Baleba of Brighton is one of the names on Man United’s radar to replace Casemiro, having held long term interest in the young midfielder, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

The 22-year-old Cameroonian midfielder has enjoyed a strong campaign, establishing himself as a key figure in Brighton’s system.

After high-profile sales like Moisés Caicedo in recent years, the Seagulls are once again preparing for a potentially huge transfer, with Baleba now attracting serious interest from across Europe.

Baleba is high in demand among Premier League elites

Baleba’s rise this season has been impressive. Featuring in 28 Premier League matches, he has showcased the kind of consistency and composure that top clubs look for in a defensive midfielder.

His 86% passing accuracy highlights his reliability in possession, while his ability to break up play and shield the defense has made him one of Brighton’s most important players.

What stands out most is his balance. Baleba isn’t just a defensive presence, he’s also capable of progressing the ball forward and supporting attacking transitions.

That combination of physical strength and technical quality has drawn comparisons to elite holding midfielders, which explains why clubs are lining up to secure his signature.

Man United are leading the race for Baleba

Man United are believed to be leading the race. The club has been searching for a long-term midfield solution, especially with Casemiro leaving.

United view Baleba as a potential cornerstone of their rebuild, a player who can anchor the midfield for years to come. There is also talk that the player himself is open to the move, with interest dating back to last summer.

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The management team at Red Devils see Baleba as the ‘new Casemiro’.

Brighton, however, are known for their tough negotiating stance. While earlier reports suggested a €100 million valuation, more recent updates indicate the club could consider offers in the €75-80 million range.

Even so, they are unlikely to accept anything significantly below that figure, given Baleba’s importance and long-term potential.

Other clubs are also monitoring the situation. Arsenal and Chelsea have both shown interest in the past, while scouts from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have followed his progress closely.

Talks held: Man United performer is on his way out after holding talks with high-profile club

The post Sources: Man United ready to sign ‘new Casemiro’ from Premier League rivals in record-breaking move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Yesterday — 4 May 2026Main stream

Sources: Top clubs from Italy, Germany & England are set to battle for Man City icon

4 May 2026 at 09:27

John Stones’ departure from Manchester City is attracting attention from some of the top clubs in the world.

After nearly a decade at the Etihad Stadium, the England international is set to leave as a free agent, bringing to a close a hugely successful chapter in his career.

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The decision not to extend his contract appears to reflect a combination of factors, from the club’s evolving squad strategy to Stones’ recent injury struggles.

The defender has made just seven Premier League appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side this season.

While his exit marks the end of an era, it also opens the door for one final major move in what has been a decorated career at the highest level. sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.

Man City are planning to revamp their defense

Over the years, Stones has been a key part of Pep Guardiola’s system, particularly during Man City’s most dominant periods.

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His performances during City’s treble-winning campaign, where he operated in a hybrid defensive-midfield role, remain one of the standout tactical innovations of recent years.

However, the past two seasons have presented challenges. Recurring injury issues have limited his availability, and maintaining consistency in a physically demanding system has become increasingly difficult.

During the 2025/26 season, Stones missed significant stretches, which allowed younger defenders to step in and establish themselves within the squad.

Man City, meanwhile, have been actively planning for the future. The integration of emerging talents like Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov, along with continued investment in youth, signals a clear shift toward building a new defensive core.

Trophy Count Seasons/Years Won
Premier League 6 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
EFL Cup (League Cup) 5 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2025–26
FA Community Shield 3 2018, 2019, 2024
FA Cup 2 2018–19, 2022–23
UEFA Champions League 1 2022–23
UEFA Super Cup 1 2023
FIFA Club World Cup 1 2023
Total 19

European giants are showing interest in John Stones

Juventus and AC Milan are seriously considering a move, viewing him as an ideal fit for Serie A’s more tactical style of play.

A return to Everton has also been mentioned as a potential storyline. Stones began his Premier League journey at Goodison Park, and a move back could offer both sentimental value and a leadership role within the squad.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich, now under Vincent Kompany, are believed to be exploring defensive reinforcements, with Stones’ experience making him a possible candidate.

From a financial perspective, his departure will also benefit Man City, freeing up a significant portion of their wage bill.

At his next club, Stones is expected to command a competitive salary, likely supplemented by a signing bonus due to his free-agent status.

The next step in his career will be crucial. Whether he moves to Italy, returns to Everton, or takes on a new challenge elsewhere in Europe, Stones still has plenty to offer at the top level.

Man United aim to avoid bidding war with Man City and identify three alternative transfer targets 

The post Sources: Top clubs from Italy, Germany & England are set to battle for Man City icon appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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