Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel is reportedly interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Casemiro this summer.
After nine trophy-laden years on the books at Real Madrid, Casemiro decided to seek pastures new and join Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford in a £70m deal last summer.
The 31-year-old has since established himself as a key cog in Ten Hag's machine, with the defensive midfielder contributing with five goals and seven assists in 44 appearances for Man United across all competitions.
Casemiro's leadership and experience in the lynchpin role has made the Red Devils look a stronger outfit in the middle of the park which has helped improve their fortunes on all front, competing for a place in the top four of the Premier League while also getting their hands on the EFL Cup and reaching the FA Cup final.
The Brazil international is under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2026, and the midfielder is allegedly intending to retire as a Red Devils player.
© Reuters
However, according to German news outlet Kicker, Bayern Munich boss Tuchel is keen to lure Casemiro to the Allianz Arena and has identified him as his top midfield target this summer.
The report adds that Tuchel does not believe his current midfield options have the necessary skill set to operate in the defensive midfield role to match his philosophy.
Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka have regularly partnered one another in the middle of the pitch, but Tuchel feels that the duo are more suited to the No.8 role as opposed to a more defensive role as a No.6 where Casemiro has thrived throughout his career.
The same goes for Ryan Gravenberch, who has been tipped to leave the Bavarian outfit due to his lack of game time, and summer arrival Konrad Laimer, who has agreed to join the club from RB Leipzig on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, the future of Man United loanee Marcel Sabitzer remains uncertain, with the Austria international believed to be open to moving to Old Trafford on a permanent basis.
© Reuters
Last month, Ten Hag heaped praise on Casemiro's character and was always confident that the Brazilian could help improve his squad.
"Casemiro has not surprised me – absolutely not," Ten Hag told reporters as quoted by Goal. "I knew what a magnificent player he was. Just look at his profile, all the cups he's won, that's not a coincidence. Like [Raphael] Varane, he has won five Champions Leagues, that's not a coincidence.
"For me it's always the same, you have players who win, and who win always, and players who lose and are always losing. You have to do your research and find the type who will win and who are cooperative and humble in the dressing room but when on the pitch they take responsibility.
"Casemiro is such a leader and so important for us," the Dutchman added. "Not only with his performances and skills, like scoring goals with his headers, or linking up, or intercepting balls, but also his organisation, his mentality, the culture he projects. We are so happy that we signed him."
Bayern Munich are also understood to be in the market for a new centre-forward this summer, with Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani all said to be on their radar.
Oliver Thomas
