Manchester United have been in contact over the 2026 signing of a “supertalent” ahead of Premier League rivals Liverpool.
Man Utd’s midfield search after update on Casemiro contract
The Red Devils and Ruben Amorim look set to be on the hunt for a midfield refresh in the New Year, with Casemiro’s contract set to expire in 2026.
The Red Devils hold an option to extend the Brazilian’s stay by an additional year, but that may not happen, with Amorim and INEOS seemingly clashing behind the scenes in regards to Casemiro.
Amorim thinks he is still needed at Old Trafford, whereas executives are asking for a wage cut instead of triggering the extension option until 2027, something which Casemiro, the top earner at Man Utd, is unlikely to accept.
1
Casemiro
£350,000
£18,200,000
2
Bruno Fernandes
£300,000
£15,600,000
3
Matthijs de Ligt
£195,000
£10,140,000
4
Harry Maguire
£190,000
£9,880,000
5
Matheus Cunha
£180,000
£9,360,000
United arguably need midfield additions even if Casemiro remains in Manchester, especially with Kobbie Mainoo down the pecking order and Manuel Ugarte likewise falling out of favour under Amorim.
Man Utd chief makes contact for Smit
According to CaughtOffside, Man Utd have made their first move to sign AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit.
Christopher Vivell, United’s director of recruitment, is the one who has reached out over an Old Trafford move, with the Red Devils looking to get ahead of Liverpool in the race for the £25m midfielder.
“Everyone at AZ is aware that Smit is likely to attract offers, and they’re open now to letting him go for the right price next summer.
“£25m is the figure I’m hearing, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a deal ends up initially being agreed in January to then go through in the summer.
“Christopher Vivell has been internally discussing Smit for some time now, and he’s also contacted the player to sound him out about a move.”
Hailed as a “supertalent” in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Smit has already reached 50 senior appearances for AZ Alkmaar and is catching the eye in the Netherlands.
Former Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman has even compared the 19-year-old to Pedri, who is arguably the best midfielder in the world right now.
“I almost regret mentioning his name again [Pedri], but he’s a guy who plays in the same position. The way he turns away from his opponent, the way he scans the area, his two-footedness… I saw that in Pedri too. If he gets half his career, we’ll be very happy in the Netherlands.”
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1 ByEthan Lamb
Capable of playing in defensive or advanced midfield alongside his regular box-to-box role, Smit looks like he’ll be one to watch in 2026.
Man Utd now very keen on signing "amazing" midfielder likened to N'Golo Kante
