27-yo LaLiga warrior wanted by United believes he is “more than good enough” for Premier League

Manchester United may have received a lifeline in their pursuit of Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye. The Senegalese midfielder has been in top form for Villarreal this season and is now a wanted man ahead of the summer. Gueye is a product of the Le Havre academy and moved to Marseille in the summer of 2020. However, it was only after joining Villarreal in the summer of 2024 that he finally began to turn heads across Europe. Last season, the 27 year old registered five goals in 36 appearances, but he has taken his game to a higher level this campaign. Gueye has racked up four goals and two assists in 32 games for the Yellow Submarine so far this season, 27 of which have been starts. Pape Gueye Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga2319427-1,596′ UEFA Champions League76–3-526′ Copa del Rey22–1-165′ Total32274211-2,287′ Source: Transfermarkt. Gueye is under contract at El Madrigal until 2028, and recent reports have suggested that United are eyeing him with interest ahead of the summer. Casemiro’s ideal replacement? United are all set to part ways with Casemiro, who will leave once his contract expires at the end of this season. The Brazilian has been in resurgent form this season and has been an indispensable member of the starting XI under both caretaker manager Michael Carrick and his predecessor, Ruben Amorim. However, Casemiro recently turned 34 and is already in the final phase of his career. The player is also one of the highest earners at the Theatre of Dreams, and United are looking to trim their wage bill this summer. Given the Brazilian’s importance this season, it is pivotal that the Red Devils sign a suitable replacement before the start of the new campaign. While Premier League-proven candidates like Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton are on INEOS’ radar, they are also eyeing rising stars from foreign leagues. Gueye’s skillset makes him a fine replacement for Casemiro. The Senegalese’s ability to win back possession and his eye for a pass could make him an asset for the Red Devils, while his aerial dominance could also be a bonus in both boxes. The player has now shed light on his future, hinting that a move to the Premier League could be on the cards. Gueye wants Premier League move Speaking to So Foot, as cited by Sport Witness, Gueye revealed that he was learning English to help him in his business ventures. He said: “It’s the language of business. I’ve invested in Morocco, Senegal, and Dubai, so that will help me.” When asked about the possibility of a move to the Premier League, the Senegalese added: “For now, I’m very happy at Villarreal; I’ve built on my good first season. There were a few offers this winter, but we’ll see after the World Cup. Until then, I can sit down and watch a Wolverhampton-Brighton match and enjoy myself.” Gueye also claimed that watching Premier League games has made him realise that he is ready to play in the top tier of English football. He said: “The midfielders’ play, their impact on the game, the intensity… And watching them, I tell myself I’m more than good enough to play in the Premier League.” Final Thoughts With Manuel Ugarte also likely to follow Casemiro out the door this summer, United could target two midfielders. As such, a move for Gueye alongside a Premier League-proven midfielder could be a smart bit of business for the Red Devils. It was previously reported that Villarreal want £52 million to let him go, which could turn out to be a bargain. Featured image David Ramos via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.