Villarreal Star Pape Gueye Added to Manchester United’s Midfield Shortlist as Casemiro Exit Looms

Manchester United’s summer rebuild is pivoting toward the engine room, with Villarreal’s Senegal international Pape Gueye emerging as the newest name on the club’s expanding list of candidates to succeed Casemiro.

The 27-year-old, who joined Villarreal on a free transfer from Marseille in July 2024, has rapidly become indispensable to the Yellow Submarine, anchoring a midfield that has the club sitting third in La Liga behind only Real Madrid and Barcelona. Gueye’s domestic impact—three goals and one assist in 28 matches—was amplified on the continental stage when he helped Senegal capture the Africa Cup of Nations this winter, scoring the decisive goal in the 1-0 final triumph over hosts Morocco and finishing the tournament with three goals in total.

United’s recruitment team, already mindful that Casemiro’s contract expires at the end of the season, have been scouring the market for a successor. Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare and Newcastle’s Elliot Anderson remain under consideration, but Foot Mercato reports that Gueye’s combative style and recent silverware have now thrust him into the Old Trafford frame.

With Senegal qualification for the upcoming World Cup secured, Gueye is poised for another high-profile showcase, giving United additional opportunities to assess his readiness for Premier League intensity. Villarreal, currently exceeding expectations in Spain, may face a battle to retain their influential midfielder if United decide to accelerate interest before the summer window officially opens.