Bruno Guimaraes has expressed his pride at being touted as Casemiro's heir, amid reports linking him with a £69million move to Manchester United. The Newcastle captain could inherit Casemiro's position at both club and international level.
Guimaraes focused on World Cup
Brazil kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign against Morocco on Saturday evening, with both midfielders in contention to start. This summer's tournament in North America is likely to be Casemiro's World Cup swansong, after which Guimaraes is expected to take up the mantle.
Guimaraes feels privileged to be mentioned alongside his compatriot, given Casemiro's achievements. He told AS: "It's certainly a privilege to hear those words from someone as successful as Casemiro. Honestly, I'm not thinking about that right now. My focus is entirely on this World Cup. It was a dream for me to be in good shape for a World Cup and my aim is to help Brazil win this title. I'm always ready to help."
Man Utd transfer plans
Guimaraes, 28, is one of several midfielders linked with United. The club reportedly refused to enter a bidding war for £120m-rated Elliot Anderson, and Guimaraes appears to fit their financial parameters. West Ham's Mateus Fernandes and Bournemouth's Alex Scott are also on the shortlist. United are already set to finalise a £39m deal for Atalanta's Ederson.
Casemiro first publicly praised Guimaraes in October 2023, saying: "Bruno Guimaraes is a player who has been doing an exceptional job at Newcastle. With every practice and every game, I am more comfortable with him. He is a great player. He has been demonstrating this in the most difficult league in the world."
Newcastle's financial situation
Newcastle would prefer to keep their captain, but the club's fragile finances leave them with limited options. Eddie Howe's side missed out on European qualification after a 12th-place Premier League finish and are understood to require player sales to stabilise their finances.
Casemiro has already reportedly assisted United with one transfer, endorsing Ederson before his own exit. He may yet help facilitate his departure from Old Trafford following glowing recommendations.
