United need to sign £42m UCL star on loan with Casemiro 'very close' to January exit - opinion

Manchester United should focus on signing Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz with Casemiro on the verge of moving to the Saudi Pro League.

The Red Devils strengthened their midfield department with Manuel Ugarte last summer, and the Uruguayan star has become an undisputed starter under manager Ruben Amorim.

However, the club need more quality and competition in the centre of the park. Casemiro has been a regular on the bench in recent weeks and appears ‘very close‘ to leaving the club.

The Brazilian ace has reportedly accepted a salary package from Saudi’s Sovereign Fund (PIF). A transfer could be finalised soon. PIF have to decide on the club before making a formal bid.

While this happens, United have to be pro-active in finding a quality replacement.

United could recoup as much as £25 million from Casemiro’s exit, but they could still prefer a temporary deal for a new midfielder with an option to purchase at the end of the campaign.

Atalanta’s Ederson is reportedly one of the top targets, but the Serie A giants are unlikely to sanction his exit as they are competing at the top with Inter Milan for the Scudetto this term.

We believe the club should explore a deal for Juventus’ Douglas Luiz instead. The midfielder had a superb 2023/24 season with Aston Villa, registering 10 goals and 10 assists from 53 outings.

The Midlands outfit still decided to sell him for £42 million to Juventus last summer to alleviate concerns about meeting the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.

His time at the Bianconeri has been forgettable. The 26-year-old was a regular on the bench at the start of the campaign before picking up a muscular injury against Inter Milan in October.

Since his return, he has been limited to substitute appearances under manager Thiago Motta and has already been linked with a possible comeback to England with Nottingham Forest.

The Red Devils should compete with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side for Luiz’s signature. He would be a perfect addition on an initial loan as he can operate from multiple midfield positions.

The former Villa star had a passing accuracy of 89 percent last term with a stunning 20 goal contributions.

He won 4.2 duels per game alongside 5.2 recoveries and almost two tackles. Luiz has a terrific work rate and would represent a good acquisition for the Red Devils this winter.

United need to be on the safer side amid his recent injury concerns. An initial loan would allow them to assess whether he can stay unscathed and make a big impression under Amorim.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .