Manchester United's 32-year-old midfielder Casimiru has been in worrying form this year and, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the club is plotting to sign Atalanta's 26-year-old midfielder Goupoumenas in the summer transfer window in a bid to fill the void left by the Brazilian international.
New United boss Ratcliffe had questioned the performance of Casimiru as questionable, and with a lackluster season, rumors are swirling that his departure could be imminent. The Red Devils have begun a search for a new midfielder, with Goupoumenas and former Atalanta teammate Helen as potential candidates.
Dutch international Goupmenas, who moved to Atalanta from Alkmaar in 2021, has excelled in both offense and defense, scoring double-digit goals in Serie A in the last two seasons and contributing 10 goals in 25 games this season. The versatile midfielder can play not only as a defensive midfielder but also as a center back, making him an ideal replacement for Casimiru.
Goupoumenas had sought a transfer in the summer of last year, was interested in joining Napoli, but in the end failed to make the move, is expected to make a transfer request again this summer. The Gazzetta dello Sport revealed that the transfer fee for Goupoumenas is as high as 51 million pounds (about 500 million Hong Kong dollars).
United have taken an interest in Atlanta players in recent years, bringing in Amit Diarlo and Helen, and it would not be surprising to see Goupoumenas join them.
