Determined to sign Baleba, MU plans to offload several stars worth £151 million.

Manchester United is ready to offload a number of players worth £151 million to gather funds for signing Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United is gearing up for a major overhaul in the 2025 transfer window, prepared to cut losses on players worth up to £151 million. Casemiro is expected to be the most notable name in the clear-out, while Harry Maguire surprisingly might get a contract extension to remain at Old Trafford.

Casemiro, a £70 million signing from Real Madrid in 2022, currently earns £300,000 per week and will turn 34 next February. After an impressive first season, the Brazilian midfielder’s performance has declined in the Premier League, prompting Man United’s management to consider replacements. The plan is for the “Red Devils” to heavily invest in bringing in Carlos Baleba, seen as a necessary addition to the midfield.

Regarding Maguire, the centre-back who broke the world transfer record with an £80 million move from Leicester in 2019 is likely to be retained. Although his contract also expires at the end of the season, manager Ruben Amorim triggered a one-year extension clause in January. Man United rejected offers to buy him last summer. The club is expected to negotiate a new contract with a reduced salary to keep the player who will soon turn 33.

This clearance recalls 2022, when Pogba, Mata, Matic, Cavani, and Lingard all left simultaneously, paving the way for a busy transfer period under Erik ten Hag. At that time, MU spent heavily to bring in Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, and Jadon Sancho.

However, Sancho, a £73 million signing, now faces a significant loss. The 25-year-old is currently on loan at Aston Villa but has only played two matches this season. Sancho has not appeared for MU in the Premier League for over two years and is almost certain to be sold once his contract ends, despite an option to extend for another year.

Besides Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, valued at £8 million, is also set to leave. The 26-year-old left-back, the first signing under Ten Hag, has been sidelined for 550 days due to a knee injury and two surgeries. Although recently returned, he was substituted before halftime in 4 out of 5 games he started under Amorim, indicating he is no longer part of long-term plans.

Meanwhile, backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton will see his contract expire in nine months as he approaches 40. He has prepared for a new career by attending coaching courses and trying his hand as a commentator on BBC.

With these decisive moves, Manchester United demonstrates its commitment to rebuilding the squad, making room for quality newcomers like Carlos Baleba while reducing the bloated wage bill. This could mark a pivotal moment before the club aims to reassert its status in the Premier League and European competitions.