Currently, Casemiro is a prime target for the Saudi Pro League in 2024. According to reports from 90min, there might be an offer for the Manchester United midfielder in January.
Manchester United signed Casemiro from Real Madrid in August 2022, significantly improving the team’s performance under the management of Erik ten Hag. His contributions, including crucial goals, helped United secure the Carabao Cup, reach the FA Cup final, and finish in the top four of the Premier League.
Criticism has been directed at the substantial cost of his transfer, with United paying £60 million plus an additional £10 million in add-ons and agreeing to wages of nearly £300,000 per week. Casemiro will turn 32 in February, and United has the option to extend his four-year contract by one more season, although the team is just over a year into the deal.
Despite initial success, Casemiro has faced challenges with consistency in the current league season, with United losing five of its first 11 league games.
Questions have arisen about his ability to cover ground, and Ten Hag himself faced criticism for his controversial statement when he substituted Casemiro against Brentford last month, saying he “wanted more football.”
Despite Casemiro’s current absence, the Saudi Pro League continues to express interest in him as they aim to build a competitive group of elite players. Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are among the prominent athletes who have chosen to move to the Middle East, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) is preparing for a fresh influx of talent in 2024.
Reports suggest that several United players, including captain Bruno Fernandes and standout Casemiro, are being pursued, and intermediaries are exploring the possibility of these moves.
While no deal will be considered until next summer, if at all, PIF representatives are investigating potential transfers. Bruno is the new club captain for United, but this hasn’t deterred PIF representatives from exploring the possibilities.
It’s believed that Casemiro might be more accessible in January, given the potential for United to recoup a significant portion of their initial investment in terms of salary and transfer fees.
Although United is not actively seeking to sell Casemiro, they would consider it if concerns regarding Financial Fair Play arise in the coming months. Rivals like Liverpool and Chelsea have benefited financially from sales to the Saudi Pro League over the past year, which has aided in their own squad enhancements.
Saudi teams have also expressed interest in Anthony Martial, who has a contract expiring next summer.
Furthermore, it is expected that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will acquire a 25% stake in United in the coming weeks, and his selections are likely to take over the club’s football operations.
The appointment of Paul Mitchell, previously associated with Tottenham, RB Leipzig, and Monaco, as sporting director or a similar role, is anticipated, along with the addition of Jean-Claude Blanc as CEO.
Ratcliffe and INEOS are expected to make substantial investments to improve United’s facilities, and a shift in the club’s approach to the transfer market is probable, moving away from the criticized transfer policy of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill era.
