Manchester United have identified Nottingham Forest defensive midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré as a potential replacement for Casemiro, who will leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Casemiro had been one of United’s standout performers under Michael Carrick this season, helping the club push for a Champions League return, and his departure will leave a significant hole to fill.
United also know it, and their recruitment team are already working through a list of candidates, which includes Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali.
According to transfer news expert, Ekrem KONUR, Sangaré is now believed to be part of that conversation as well.
The Ivory Coast international joined Forest from PSV Eindhoven for £30 million in 2023. At 6ft 3in, he brings the kind of physicality and ground coverage that gives those around him more freedom. It is something Anderson has benefited from considerably this season at the City Ground.
It is understood that United actually looked at Sangaré before Forest signed him, so this is not entirely new for their recruitment team.
At 28, he would be a more cost-effective option than most of the names on United’s list, particularly if Forest’s own season takes a turn for the worse and relegation becomes a realistic threat, which would seriously weaken their negotiating hand. His contract runs until 2028.
United are expected to sign at least two midfielders in the summer, so Sangaré and Anderson arriving together is a scenario that has already been floated.
