MANCHESTER, England — As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is at the center of swirling speculation about his next move, with reports linking him to high-profile destinations including Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The 33-year-old Brazilian international, who joined United from Real Madrid in August 2022 for a reported €60 million fee, is reportedly set to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of the season. According to The Sun, Inter Miami — the MLS champions — are among several clubs interested in signing him, alongside his childhood club Sao Paulo, FC Porto, and Al Nassr.
Casemiro's potential departure comes amid a challenging period for the veteran midfielder at United, where he has struggled with injuries and form dips this season. No final decision has been made on his future, sources close to the player indicate, but the interest from glamorous overseas options underscores his enduring appeal despite his age. Inter Miami, bolstered by Messi's arrival last year, has been aggressively building a squad aimed at contending for titles, while Al Nassr continues to attract big names to the Saudi Pro League with lucrative contracts. Casemiro, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, could reunite with either Messi or Ronaldo, both former rivals from his La Liga days.
Elsewhere in Europe, Real Madrid are reportedly racing to secure Borussia Dortmund center back Nico Schlotterbeck ahead of rivals Barcelona. AS reports that the Spanish giants have identified the 26-year-old German international as their priority defensive target for the summer. Schlotterbeck, whose contract with Dortmund runs until June 2027, is valued at around €50 million and has expressed a desire for a new challenge. Madrid, looking to shore up their backline after a season of defensive inconsistencies, aim to beat Barcelona to the deal in a classic La Liga rivalry twist.
Schlotterbeck has been a standout performer for Dortmund since joining from Freiburg in 2022, featuring regularly in the Bundesliga and earning caps for Germany. His potential move to Madrid would add youth and solidity to a defense that includes veterans like David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger, both sidelined by injuries this year. Barcelona, meanwhile, have their own defensive needs but face stiff competition from Madrid, who are said to be preparing an aggressive bid to preempt any advances from the Catalan club.
In the Premier League, Everton have set their sights on Chelsea striker Liam Delap as their top summer target, per Football Insider. The 23-year-old, who moved to Chelsea from Ipswich Town last year in a £30 million deal, has found game time hard to come by, scoring just one goal in 17 Premier League appearances this season. Toffees manager David Moyes remains "unconvinced" by the form of current forward Beto and is keen to add competition for Thierno Barry up front. Delap, under contract at Chelsea until 2031, has mostly served as a backup to João Pedro.
Delap's journey has been one of promise and frustration; a product of Manchester City's academy, he impressed on loan at Barnsley and Hull City before his Ipswich stint, where he netted 12 goals in the Championship. Everton's interest reflects their need for attacking reinforcement amid a battle against relegation, though prying him from Chelsea — who paid a premium for his potential — could prove costly. Moyes, back at the helm after Sean Dyche's departure, is prioritizing proven Premier League experience to stabilize the squad.
Barcelona have already moved to secure young talent, sealing a deal for Norwich City winger Ajay Tavares, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. The 16-year-old England youth international rejected overtures from several Bundesliga clubs to join Barça, with whom he only had eyes for. Tavares is scheduled to arrive in Spain on Sunday and undergo a medical early next week, marking another coup for Barcelona's renowned La Masia academy.
Tavares, a speedy and skillful winger, has caught attention in Norwich's youth setup, drawing comparisons to precocious talents like Lamine Yamal at Barcelona. The club's commitment to nurturing English prospects continues, following signings like Ethan Galbraith in recent years. This move comes as Barcelona navigate financial constraints, focusing on low-cost, high-potential acquisitions to rebuild their squad depth.
Defender Marcos Senesi of Bournemouth is attracting attention from continental clubs, with his agents meeting Roma and Borussia Dortmund this week, reports Nicolo Schira. The 28-year-old Argentine has rejected multiple contract offers from Bournemouth and is expected to depart on a free transfer in the summer. Juventus are also keen, while Lloyd Kelly — another Bournemouth defender — is linked with a return to England.
Senesi, who joined Bournemouth from San Lorenzo in 2022 for £12 million, has been a reliable presence in the Premier League but seeks a new adventure. Roma, under new ownership, are bolstering their defense, while Dortmund eyes Serie A experience to complement their high-pressing style. Bournemouth, facing potential squad upheaval, may struggle to retain him without a transfer fee.
Contrary to recent speculation, Bayern Munich have no interest in Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, according to German journalist Christian Falk. The Portuguese playmaker, United's captain and talisman, has been the subject of transfer chatter, but Bayern's focus lies elsewhere in midfield reinforcements. Fernandes, who has 10 goals and eight assists this season, remains a key figure at Old Trafford despite the club's inconsistencies.
Wolves appear set to lose teenage forward Mateus Mané this summer, with Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal all showing interest, per Caught Offside. The 18-year-old Portuguese prospect has impressed in Wolves' youth ranks, prompting a bidding war among England's top clubs. Mané's potential exit highlights Wolves' challenges in retaining homegrown talent amid financial pressures under the Premier League's profitability rules.
Arsenal and Liverpool have suffered a setback in their pursuit of teenage forward Lennart Karl, as the player is expected to sign a long-term deal with Bayern Munich, TEAMtalk reports. The young German, a rising star in Bundesliga youth football, represents the latest in Bayern's tradition of snapping up top prospects. Both English clubs had scouted him extensively, but Bayern's pull proves too strong.
Nottingham Forest are considering a loan move for Arsenal goalkeeper Tommy Setford, according to Football Transfers. The 18-year-old English keeper, part of Arsenal's promising youth setup, could gain valuable experience in the Premier League. Forest, needing depth behind Matz Sels, see him as a low-risk addition.
Several Premier League sides, including Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, have scouted Atalanta's 17-year-old defender Honest Ahanor, Nicolo Schira notes. The wonderkid is also on Napoli's radar, with his versatility and composure drawing comparisons to elite young defenders. Ahanor's emergence at Atalanta, a club known for developing talents like Teun Koopmeiners, could lead to a summer bidding frenzy.
In other deals, Sparta Prague have agreed to sign center back Viktor Vitályos from MTK Budapest for €2 million, Fabrizio Romano confirms. The Czech club eyes the youngster as a long-term investment. Meanwhile, former Tottenham striker and current Ferencváros manager Robbie Keane is in contention to replace Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace this summer, TalkSPORT reports. Keane's managerial stock is rising after success in Hungary.
Aston Villa's option to make Harvey Elliott's loan from Liverpool permanent for £35 million is tied to Premier League appearances, Sky Sports News says. The midfielder's limited starts at Villa may complicate activation. Sacramento Republic have signed MLS veteran Mark-Anthony Kaye, per Tom Bogert, adding experience to their midfield.
Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are tracking young Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy on loan at Rayo Vallecano, Ekrem Konur reports. The 19-year-old French prospect's performances have alerted top clubs. Herculez Gomez, reacting to Mexican midfielder Obed Vargas' move from Seattle Sounders to Atletico Madrid, praised the 18-year-old's potential in La Liga.
These transfer rumors paint a picture of a bustling summer ahead, with clubs across continents jockeying for position. For players like Casemiro, the choices are tantalizing — a star-studded reunion in Miami or Riyadh, or a return to roots in Brazil. As negotiations intensify, the ripple effects could reshape squads and rivalries, setting the stage for the 2025-26 campaigns. Fans and analysts alike await concrete announcements, but the speculation alone fuels excitement in the global soccer marketplace.