Casemiro is set to depart Manchester United when his contract concludes in the summer, following the club’s decision not to trigger a one-year extension. This strategic move comes as part of United’s aim to reshape their midfield and implement a squad overhaul, focusing on recruiting younger talent for the long term.
Currently earning around £430,000 a week, Casemiro’s exit will free up financial resources for potential signings. United is reportedly eyeing a list of midfielders, which includes Carlos Baleba from Brighton, Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, and Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace.
Having joined United from Real Madrid in 2022 for a fee of £70 million, Casemiro has expressed a desire for his departure announcement to be made this month to facilitate his next move. He intends to continue his career after representing Brazil at the World Cup, with interest from clubs in Major League Soccer, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil itself.
Reflecting on his time at United, Casemiro stated, “I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life. From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club. It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months. We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed.”
During his tenure at United, which has witnessed its share of challenges, Casemiro has secured Carabao Cup and FA Cup winner’s medals, scoring 21 goals across 146 appearances for the club, including a crucial goal in the 2023 Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
In related news, Chelsea is contemplating a move to acquire another Brazilian midfielder, Douglas Luiz, on loan from Juventus for the remainder of the season. Currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, Chelsea regards Douglas Luiz as an essential asset who can bolster their midfield options, especially as they compete on multiple fronts this season. The midfielder previously excelled at Aston Villa before transferring to Juventus, but his time in Italy was challenging, as he has struggled to gain consistent playing time.
As the football landscape continues to shift, both Manchester United and Chelsea are taking decisive steps to enhance their squads, signaling an exciting summer ahead in the transfer market.