With the winter transfer window set to close, Manchester United are still linked with several transfer rumors, which are detailed below.
Marc Casadó Rumors
As the winter window nears its end, most potential deals appear unlikely to materialize. However, Manchester United are among the few clubs that cannot be ruled out from making a surprise move before the deadline—and signing Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó falls into this category. The 22-year-old has long been linked with a move to Manchester United, and Atlético Madrid are also reported to be interested in him.
Casadó has been a regular rotation option in Hansi Flick’s midfield this season, but he has yet to secure the regular starting role he desires. With Casemiro set to depart, Manchester United will soon lose their most reliable defensive midfielder. Casadó’s situation is vastly different: he is still in the early stages of his career, and signing him would allow Manchester United to allocate a significant portion of their wage budget to other positions.
Casadó’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2028, and it reportedly includes a release clause of around £87 million. Given that Barcelona are unlikely to sell the player without signing a replacement, completing the deal before the window closes would still come at a high cost. However, if Barcelona are open to the transfer, Marcus Rashford’s situation could potentially help facilitate it.
Ruben Neves Signing Impossible
Another candidate to fill the midfield void is Ruben Neves. Previous reports suggested Neves was set to leave Al Hilal, with Newcastle United identified as another potential suitor for the midfielder. However, it now appears he is on the verge of signing a new contract with Al Hilal. Neves is reportedly set to pen a lucrative three-year deal with the Saudi club, which will completely end any hope Manchester United have of signing the midfielder.
In many ways, Neves would have been Michael Carrick’s ideal midfield signing, whether in the winter or summer window. At nearly 29 years old, he is at the right age, boasts extensive Premier League experience, and perfectly fits Manchester United’s need for a defensive midfielder. Manchester United could potentially have offered a package attractive enough to persuade both Neves and Al Hilal, but as things stand, the club appears to have missed one of its best winter transfer opportunities.
