Guimaraes calls it a privilege as Casemiro backs £69m-rated Newcastle star to succeed him

Bruno Guimaraes has described it as a privilege to be publicly anointed as Casemiro’s successor at international level, even as speculation mounts over a potential £69 million move to Manchester United this summer.

The Newcastle captain, 28, was speaking ahead of Brazil’s World Cup 2026 opener against Morocco on Saturday, a match in which both midfielders are expected to be in contention to start. Casemiro is widely anticipated to be playing his final World Cup, making Guimaraes the natural heir to his role for the Selecao.

“It’s certainly a privilege to hear those words from someone as successful as Casemiro,” Guimaraes told AS. “Honestly, I’m not thinking about that right now. My focus is entirely on this World Cup. It was a dream for me to be in good shape for a World Cup and my aim is to help Brazil win this title. I’m always ready to help.”

Casemiro first went public with his admiration for his compatriot back in October 2023, and his praise has only grown since. “Bruno Guimaraes is a player who has been doing an exceptional job at Newcastle,” the five-time Champions League winner said at the time. “With every practice and every game, I am more comfortable with him. He is a great player. He has been demonstrating this in the most difficult league in the world.”

On the club front, Guimaraes is one of several midfielders United are monitoring as they look to fill the void left by Casemiro’s summer departure. The Brazilian appears to fall within the club’s budget, with United reportedly declining to enter a bidding war for Elliot Anderson, valued at £120 million. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott are also said to feature on their shortlist.

United are already expected to complete a £39 million deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who previously played alongside Guimaraes and could reunite with him at Old Trafford should the Newcastle captain follow.