Casemiro has won the Champions League five times and three La Liga titles to his name. At his peak, he was one of the most talented midfielders in the world. So it made sense for Manchester United to splash out £70m to sign him at Old Trafford in 2022. Casemiro was 30 when he made the step up to the Premier League; he is still in his prime.
Unfortunately, a solid debut season for the Red Devils was followed by an injury-plagued 2023-24 campaign. When available for selection, Casemiro struggled to maintain his pace throughout the game and consistently looked out of form. Despite his struggles, the veteran midfielder continued to attract interest from Saudi Pro League sides.
United are reportedly willing to part ways with Casemiro this summer, with his £350,000 salary no doubt playing a role in the club’s willingness to let him go. However, according to Sky Sports, interest from Saudi Arabian sides has “cooled” in recent weeks.
“As things stand, Casemiro is likely to remain with the team as interest in Saudi Arabia has cooled of late,” Sky Sports reported. “A move further down the line cannot be ruled out.”
Casemiro represents a recruitment system that has failed United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. The club have consistently invested money in big names without regard to their fit with the manager’s system or the club’s overall philosophy.
The change in strategy since INEOS took control is strikingly clear. This summer, United have already signed Leny Yoro and Jonathan Zirkzee, two young talents with huge potential. More importantly, both deals were completed early in the summer, allowing Erik ten Hag to integrate them into his pre-season plans.
Casemiro remains an elite talent. Even at 32, he is capable of influencing games at the highest level. However, United are moving in a different direction. They are signing exciting young talent and building their team around the young core of Rasmus Hojlund, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
If a fair offer for Casemiro comes this summer, United are likely to consider it. Not because he isn’t good enough, but because it would remove his significant wages from their outgoings. Of course, it would also represent a change of approach, one that INEOS has already begun. Still, a major statement like the sale of Casemiro would herald a change of direction on a global scale, and for United to be taken seriously again, that kind of statement has to happen.
