owns several clubs including the Saudi Arabian quartet Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal, is determined to sign Casemiro.
Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 and has made over 100 appearances for the Red Devils, contributing to their FA Cup and Carabao Cup victories.
However, speculation has been growing that Casemiro may leave the Theatre of Dreams, as the Brazilian has struggled to justify his £60 million price tag and has lost his place in United’s starting lineup.
Although Casemiro returned for United’s recent loss at home to Newcastle, the five-time Champions League winner was largely ineffective and was substituted for Alejandro Garnacho after 64 minutes.
Casemiro’s current contract expires in 2026, with an option for United to extend it for an additional year. Nevertheless, there is a growing sentiment that the move has not worked out, and a January transfer to the Saudi Pro League seems increasingly likely.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL, Casemiro has agreed to leave United and is in favor of expediting the process this winter.
It is reported that the Public Investment Fund is eager to secure Casemiro’s signing when the January transfer window opens.
The report suggests that there are no major obstacles preventing the move at this stage, though it has not yet been decided which club would be best for Casemiro.
The Saudi Pro League needs to confirm the number of overseas players in the first-team squads of Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Ettifaq, and Al-Qadsiah before finalizing Casemiro’s destination.
Casemiro is particularly well-regarded at Al-Nassr, largely due to his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, his long-time teammate at Real Madrid and, later, Manchester United.
Throughout his stay in the northwest, Casemiro has faced significant criticism, and Gary Neville recently named him one of the “worst signings in Manchester United’s history.”
Reflecting on Erik ten Hag’s underwhelming two-and-a-half year tenure at Old Trafford, Neville told Sky Sports: ‘The recruitment to be fair has been appalling for ten years and he’s been a victim of that himself.
‘I think he [Ten Hag] oversaw two of the worst transfers Manchester United will ever have made in the signings of Casemiro and Antony.
‘They were signed for £140-150m in a panic after the Brentford and Brighton losses. I hope I’m wrong, I hope Casemiro can do a great job for the club for four or five years and I hope Antony comes good.
‘But those signings are why United have had to go back into the transfer market and sign [Manuel] Ugarte and other players.
‘That was the ultimate in poor management from those above Erik ten Hag. That should have been one big fat no when those two players became available for those prices and those salaries.’
