Casemiro might be the next star to leave Europe for Saudi Arabia, as Manchester United is reportedly ready to sell the midfielder, according to talkSPORT.
The 32-year-old’s second season at Old Trafford has been inconsistent following his £60 million transfer from Real Madrid in 2022. His struggles with form have contributed to the Red Devils finishing eighth in the Premier League and his exclusion from the Brazilian squad for the Copa America.
Now, he could be about to embark on a new adventure in the Middle East, with United willing to take him off their wage bill. talkSPORT reported in February that new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was prepared to part ways with the five-time Champions League winner. He is estimated to cost around £25 million to £30 million including bonuses – a huge reduction on the £60 million paid for him just two years ago.
It was also reported in May that Casemiro was being targeted by Saudi clubs, with a potential reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr being a possibility. A move to join his former Real Madrid team-mate remains a possibility, with Luís Castro’s side one of two serious options. The other is defending champions Al Ittihad, where he would be reunited with another Blancos icon, Karim Benzema, as well as his compatriot Fabinho and French maestro N’Golo Kante.
Other clubs such as Al-Qadsiah, Al Ahli and Al Hilal have also expressed interest in Casemiro in the past. John Murtough, who recently stepped down as United’s sporting director after 11 years, visited the Gulf nation in January where he held meetings over Casemiro’s possible departure.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been at Al Nassr since his transfer from Manchester United, spoke about Casemiro’s potential arrival at the Saudi club. “Having Casemiro by my side again would be fantastic. He is an incredible player and a close friend. I think he would adapt well here and help us achieve great things,” said Ronaldo.
It is not yet known whether Casemiro would be willing to move to Saudi Arabia. It is believed he will hold talks with manager Erik ten Hag by the end of the month to discuss his future. However, if he expresses an interest in making the move, offers could come quickly for the player, especially as the Saudi transfer window opens on July 17, with clubs again looking to outbid European teams in the market.
