The man who won 2025 AFCON for Senegal on Man United's radar
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 26.02.26. | 14:20
The Red Devils are reportedly closely monitoring Villarreal defensive midfielder, Pape Gueye, whom they see as an ideal replacement for Casemiro
2026 may turn out to be the best year in Pape Gueye's professional career.
First and foremost, he won the recent Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, scoring the extra-time winner in the grand final against Morocco in the heart of Rabat, and now he could experience a significant improvement at the club level as well.
Namely, according to Foot Mercato, the defensive midfielder is on Manchester United's radar, as the Premier League side sees him as an ideal replacement for Casemiro, who is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Manchester United are tracking Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye. United see him as an ideal replacement for Casemiro. #MUFC [@ChemssBelgacem, @footmercato]
— INEOS ERA (@MUNScout) February 25, 2026
📽️@senegalscout
La Liga Midfielders: Through passes completed per 90
🥇0.53 — Pape Gueye (26) pic.twitter.com/VTF00Aq7n2
Apart from fantastic national team successes, Gueye has been exceptional with his club, Villarreal, which has established itself as a regular Spanish Champions League participant and currently holds the third La Liga place, right behind the giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Following his modest beginnings with Le Havre, forgettable spell at Watford, and a four-year stint with Olympique Marseille, the Senegalese got in touch with Spanish football while on loan at Sevilla in 2023.
Villarreal "snatched" him as a free agent in July 2024 and made a win-win move for both the club and the player.
After Gueye's return from the 2025 AFCON, the Yellow Submarine's boss, Marcelino, publicly praised his qualities and highlighted how much his team missed the 27-year-old.
Although there were interested parties in the recent transfer window, the La Liga side managed to keep the African, but no one can guarantee the same outcome in the upcoming June Transfer Window, as he'll undoubtedly be in demand.
Gueye's deal with Villarreal expires in 2028, so the Red Devils (or any other potential buyer) will have to make a tempting offer to convince the Spaniards to let one of their best players go.