Manchester United Confirm £230 Million Summer Budget as INEOS Targets £130 Million Double Brazilian Midfield Raid

Manchester United are set to spend £130m of their £230m summer budget on Brazilian stars Bruno Guimaraes and Andrey Santos to replace departing Casemiro.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 10, 2026, 7:18 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Football365

A Strategic Midfield Overhaul Under INEOS

Following a heavy investment in their frontline last summer—highlighted by the arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo—Manchester United has turned its attention to the center of the pitch. Under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group, the club is preparing for a significant transition in their midfield department. With veteran Casemiro confirmed to be departing at the end of the current campaign, the hierarchy is seeking long-term replacements who can provide both technical security and Premier League experience. This strategic shift is backed by a confirmed transfer kitty of over £230 million, allowing the Red Devils to compete for the market's most sought-after talents.

Guimaraes Identified as the Ideal Casemiro Successor

The pursuit of Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes has gained significant momentum, bolstered by an unlikely endorsement from Casemiro himself. Reports from the Spanish outlet AS suggest that the outgoing midfielder personally recommended his compatriot to the United board as the only player capable of filling his role. United have reportedly made "informal contact" regarding a potential move, with the club willing to allocate approximately £80 million of their total budget to secure the 28-year-old. While Guimaraes remains a loyal figure at St. James’ Park, experts suggest he is open to a move that keeps him within the English top flight.

The Race for Chelsea’s Andrey Santos

In addition to Guimaraes, Manchester United has emerged as the frontrunner for 21-year-old Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. Currently on loan at Strasbourg and thriving under Liam Rosenior, the Vasco da Gama youth product is not considered "untouchable" by the Chelsea board. Brazilian sources indicate that United is leading the race against competitors like Juventus for the youngster's signature. With a market valuation of approximately £40 million (€40 million), Santos represents a "prime" investment in youth that aligns with INEOS's vision of building a squad with high resale value and long-term peak performance.