Man United and Newcastle bargain transfer target's next club decision should be obvious amid latest updates

The 2024 summer transfer window was full of exciting rumours and blockbuster signings but the Premier League spent considerably less than many expected. According to Transfermarkt data, the net spend for clubs in England’s top flight was £629.8 million, which was more than 40 percent down from the £1.07 billion spent last summer.

Despite the dip in cash splashed this time round, Premier League clubs still came away from the window with important signings added to their rosters. Manchester United had been tipped for a very busy period following their disappointing eighth place finish. The Red Devils brought in some statement new signings including Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte but there were other targets on the radar who slipped the net.

However, while the window may have closed for the year, that doesn’t mean new signings cannot be made. There are still plenty of options to explore on the free agent market and United could pick up one of their summer options.

Erik ten Hag’s side were one of the clubs linked with a move for Adrien Rabiot, whose contract with Juventus expired at the end of last season. Newcastle United and Liverpool were also connected with the midfielder and according to TEAMtalk, both United and the Magpies ‘remain in the mix’ to sign Rabiot, but Galatasaray have already tabled an offer for his services.

The fact he is still without a club despite heavy interest makes him a very interesting target right now but his ‘high financial demands’ are reportedly ‘slowing down’ his chances of moving to a new club. Should United negotiate a lower wage that suits their situation, signing Rabiot would make a lot of sense.

The Reds already offloaded Donny van de Beek and Hannibal during the summer and their Scott McTominay sale on Deadline Day will certainly be a blow for the team. Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen has recently been the focus of some attention and the future of Casemiro remains unclear. The Brazilian reportedly wants to stay at Old Trafford but United had been open to selling him just weeks ago and there could still be a move on the cards.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Galatasaray — who are also keen on Rabiot — have been linked with Casemiro, as the Turkish market is still open for business as things stand. The transfer expert has reported: “What I’m told is that in this moment, the clear message is that Casemiro is going nowhere, because Manchester United already sold Scott McTominay and have no intention to lose one more midfielder.

“The expectation I have is for Casemiro is to leave Manchester United in 2025, and we will see if it’s going to be January or in the summer. It will depend on opportunities.”

Could lining up a replacement push a deal for Casemiro this year? Even if United are eager to keep him until next year, they will eventually need to find new options for their engine room. Rabiot is a central midfielder by trade but can also operate in a deeper role and would offer a lot of experience, having won 18 trophies with Paris Saint-Germain alone.

Based on the post-summer rumours, United could be looking to offload further players once 2025 rolls in, with Casemiro one of the leading names. Sooner or later, the Red Devils will need reinforcements and at 29, Rabiot still has years left in him. If they can get around his tricky financial expectations, he could prove to be a beneficial addition to the team moving forwards. As for Rabiot himself, it’s clear he isn’t getting anywhere fast with his wage demands and with clubs tightening the purse strings, he must re-evaluate his expectations or he risks losing a huge move with a top club.