Reports suggest that Manchester United is gearing up to part ways with Casemiro this year, possibly reaching an agreement for an early termination of his contract.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is poised to orchestrate a significant overhaul at Old Trafford, addressing both on-field and financial matters, particularly targeting United’s inflated wage bill following a decade of financial mismanagement.
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Casemiro, acquired in a £70 million deal from Real Madrid in 2022 as a late alternative, was brought in after Erik ten Hag’s unsuccessful summer-long pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
Having a stellar debut season in England, he played a crucial role in ending Ten Hag’s six-year trophy drought at the club, securing the Carabao Cup and finishing third in the Premier League.
However, a combination of poor form and persistent injury problems has marred his second year at Old Trafford, casting doubts on his future with the team.
Casemiro, set to turn 32 next month, is tied to a £350,000-a-week contract for over two years, with an additional option to extend it for another year.
Ratcliffe is reportedly prepared to take decisive actions to address financial concerns by offloading the Brazil captain in the upcoming months.
As per the Star, United is considering minimizing losses and opting to sell Casemiro before summer at a reduced fee.
This scenario raises the likelihood of United negotiating a pay-off with their No. 18, potentially involving a demand of £20 million or more for unpaid salary.
The report indicates that Ratcliffe and INEOS acknowledge Casemiro’s position as United’s top earner may impact the financial demands of future transfer targets.
There are even suggestions that a departure could occur before summer if both parties reach an agreement on a settlement package beforehand.
In the event of Casemiro’s contract termination at Old Trafford, he would attain free-agent status, granting him the flexibility to join another club at his convenience.
AC Milan and Juventus, prominent Serie A clubs, are reportedly considering a move for Casemiro, closely monitoring developments surrounding his contract.
There are strong indications linking the 31-year-old with a significant transfer to Saudi Arabia as part of the Saudi Pro League’s upcoming wave of high-profile arrivals this summer.
While Casemiro has expressed a desire to conclude his illustrious career in Brazil, it seems premature to consider a return to his homeland at this point.
Ratcliffe and INEOS seem to be anticipating a future without Casemiro at United, showing readiness to support Ten Hag with a replacement in the early stages of their project.
