Manchester United have identified West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez as a potential replacement for Casemiro, a report has revealed.
Casemiro is available for sale this summer after an underwhelming campaign, with United hoping to cash in on the Brazilian as part of a bid to raise close to £100m to reinvest in the squad.As the only natural defensive-minded midfielder in the squad, Casemiro’s departure would require a move for a replacement and Fabrizio Romano states that club officials have discussed a move for Alvarez.
Mexico international Alvarez, who will turn 27 in October, joined Erik ten Hag’s Ajax in 2019 and the Dutch boss is understood to have expressed his interest in a reunion.However, any deal would likely prove to be complicated. Alvarez remains under contract with West Ham until 2028 and is seen as a crucial player, having impressed following his £35m switch to the club last summer.
Alvarez came close to joining Chelsea in 2022, recently admitting he was “an hour away” from getting on the plane to London before seeing his exit blocked by Ajax.He would get his move to the Premier League 12 months later and quickly settled into life in England’s top flight. Alvarez made 42 appearances in all competitions last season and evidently caught the eye of United’s decision-makers.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are expected to try and limit Ten Hag’s involvement in the club’s transfers. While the manager would still be given an input, his ability to veto both incomings and outgoings could be taken away.Ten Hag has already overseen an influx of former Ajax talents. Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez and Antony have all moved to Old Trafford, while Frenkie de Jong and Brian Brobbey have both been targeted in the past.
Another former Ajax star, centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, was looked at earlier this summer but United are reluctant to advance their interest due to the cost of signing him from Bayern Munich.Manchester United are considering West Ham United’s Edson Alvarez as a potential replacement for Casemiro, according to a report. Casemiro, who had a less-than-stellar season, is on the market as United aim to raise around £100 million for reinvestment in their squad. Given that Casemiro is the only true defensive midfielder at United, finding a replacement is a priority.
Alvarez, a Mexican international, has a contract with West Ham until 2028 and joined them for £35 million last summer. His impressive performances have made him a key player for the team. Previously, Alvarez almost moved to Chelsea in 2022, but the transfer was blocked by Ajax. He eventually made his way to the Premier League a year later, quickly adapting and making 42 appearances across all competitions in his debut season.
United’s interest in Alvarez is complicated by the managerial dynamics at the club. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are reportedly planning to reduce manager Erik ten Hag’s control over transfers, though he will still have some input. Ten Hag has previously brought in several players with Ajax connections, including Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, and Antony.
The potential acquisition of Alvarez follows United’s pattern of targeting former Ajax players, despite the complexities involved in such deals. This trend aligns with the club’s broader strategy under Ten Hag, who has a history with these players from his time at Ajax.
