It is Casemiro’s star factor from his time at Real Madrid that now allows Manchester United to sell the Brazilian flop at a big profit. Manchester United bought the 32-year-old for €70.2 million in the summer of 2022 and now, after trying to give away and loan the defensive centre-back in several windows, they are cashing in.
Casemiro has turned around and finally agreed to leave Old Trafford during the January transfer window.
Back in the summer of 2022, Brazilian midfielder Casemiro made the decision to end his glittering Real Madrid career for a move to United. Since then, Casemiro has made 104 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 15 goals in what has been the club’s worst period ever.
The 32-year-old was an important player in his first season, but his form took a drastic dive last season.
So far in the 24/25 campaign, Casemiro has dropped down the order of priority after the arrival of Manuel Ugarte. The Brazilian has also seen playing time limited since Ruben Amorim’s arrival.
As a result, with the January transfer window just around the corner, Casemiro has been linked with a move.
According to Brazilian news agency UOL, Casemiro has agreed to leave United next month, with clubs in Saudi Arabia said to be interested. The likes of Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal, Al Ahli, Al Ettifaq and Al Qadsiyah have all been linked with a transfer. It doesn’t matter which club is chosen, they are all owned by the royal family.
However, it has been said that the Saudi Pro League clubs will have to figure out how to add Casemiro to their players after reports claimed that none of their teams have any spots left for foreign players.
On Monday night, Casemiro started in the heart of United’s midfield against Newcastle United due to Ugarte’s absence.
After missing a great chance in the first half, Casemiro was taken off in the 65th minute, replaced by Alejandro Garnacho.
United lost the game 2-0, afterwards Amorim said: “It’s very difficult. It is one of the worst moments in the club’s history. You have to accept another defeat in front of our supporters and Newcastle were better.
“We get two goals and at this moment it is difficult to turn the result around. It’s a very difficult moment for everyone, so we have to keep doing our job. There’s no other way.”
United are back in the Premier League on Sunday when they face leaders Liverpool at Anfield.
Manchester United are said to have an offer on the table worth €90 million, of which €10 million is linked to various bonuses. In addition to money into their accounts from Saudi Arabia, they do not have to pay £350,000 a week in salary to Casemiro.
Casemiro accepted to be sold only after assurances that his salary will be higher after the trip to the desert country.
