Casemiro is ready to call quits on his Manchester United career in the January transfer window if a suitable offer for his signature arrives, according to reports. United will attempt to raise funds through player sales next month and at the end of the season, and Casemiro could be among the departing senior players.
The 31-year-old midfielder was a late acquisition last summer, joining from Real Madrid in a deal worth up to £70million.
He wasn’t Erik ten Hag’s first-choice option, only arriving at Old Trafford after an unsuccessful summer-long pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
But Casemiro played a prominent role in the Dutchman’s positive first season, forming a strong midfield three with Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.
His form has fallen off a cliff this term, though, and he will miss a 14th game through injury when United face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
Given his age and the impending fresh recruitment approach helmed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, Casemiro has emerged as a natural opportunity to trim Ten Hag’s squad and wage nill next year.
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According to 90min, the Brazil captain now accepts that his future lies away from United, and the New Year could be the right time to part ways.
There is a growing feeling at United that the club would green-light a transfer if a suitor were to formulate an offer in January.
The Red Devils are aware that there may not be a better chance to recoup most of the initial £60m they paid for Casemiro amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
Previous reports claimed the Saudi Pro League had identified Casemiro as one of its primary transfer targets in 2024 to continue the stream of high-profile arrivals.
Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest in the five-time Champions League winner, but Financial Fair Play could restrict the Ligue 1 champions.
It means they may have little chance of competing with the financial might of the Middle East should an SPL club actively seek to reunite Casemiro with Cristiano Ronaldo and other marquee names.
Casemiro’s exit would generate a welcome transfer fee and remove his £300,000-a-week salary from the books to boost the prospect of incomings to upgrade Ten Hag’s ranks.
Raphael Varane, Donny van de Beek, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial are among the other players reportedly in the shop window this winter.
