Transfer: Saudi Arabia officials ‘lining up January move for Casemiro’
Manchester United are reportedly bracing themselves for an offer for Casemiro from the Saudi Pro League.
The Brazil international made the move to Old Trafford from Real Madrid in August 2022, and he enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign for the Red Devils, helping them to finish third in the Premier League table and secure silverware in the EFL Cup.
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Casemiro is Man United’s leading goalscorer this season with four, while he has 11 goals and seven assists in 63 appearances for the 20-time English champions in all competitions.
There have been criticisms of his defensive performances this term, though, and he is now on the sidelines until at least Christmas due to a hamstring issue which he suffered against Newcastle United last week.
Casemiro signed a four-year deal with the option of a fifth when he arrived at Old Trafford, but there is currently speculation surrounding his future at Old Trafford.
According to 90min, the Saudi Pro League have identified the experienced midfielder as one of their ‘primary targets’ for next year, and it is a possible that an offer could arrive in January.
The report claims that teams from Saudi Arabia are yet to make official contact with Man United, but Casemiro’s interest in a move is being explored through intermediaries.
Despite the speculation, it is believed that the Red Devils are keen to keep hold of Casemiro, but the club would consider serious offers considering that they spent an initial £60m plus a further £10m in add-ons for the South American last summer.
Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial are two other Man United players being linked with moves to Saudi Arabia next year, while captain Bruno Fernandes is also believed to be of interest.
While a move for Fernandes appears highly unlikely at this stage of his career, a recent report claimed that Varane has decided to leave Old Trafford next summer.
The ex-France international has recently been overlooked in terms of a spot in the starting side, with Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire featuring ahead of him in the last two Premier League matches.
Martial has been a regular off the bench this season, but he has only scored once, and the forward’s contract at Old Trafford is due to expire next June.
Man United have the option of activating a 12-month extension in Martial’s deal, though, and that could occur to allow the club to sell him next year rather than allow a departure on a free transfer.
The Red Devils are currently in Denmark preparing for Wednesday’s huge Champions League contest with Copenhagen and will be looking to make it back-to-back successes over the Lions in Group A.