Saudi Pro League stance on Manchester United’s Casemiro this summer confirmed – sources

Manchester United’s Casemiro is not currently a transfer target for any Saudi Pro League clubs this summer, sources have told UtdDistrict.

Since his high-profile move to Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2022, Casemiro has struggled to justify his £60 million price tag.

Brought in during Erik ten Hag‘s inaugural transfer window at Old Trafford, Casemiro’s initial adaptation period was slow. However, once he found his rhythm, he became an indispensable part of the midfield, forming a dynamic partnership with Bruno Fernandes.

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Unfortunately, a long-term injury in November last year marked the beginning of a challenging period for the Brazilian star. His performances took a noticeable dip, and he made critical mistakes while being deployed as an auxiliary centre-back in the final matches of the season.

Sources – Casemiro latest

However, contrary to recent reports, UtdDistrict understands that Saudi Arabian clubs are not interested in Casemiro this summer.

One source close to the situation explained that they could not see any of the Saudi Pro League clubs spending more than £30 million on one player apart from the PIF-owned clubs (Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal) or Al-Qadsiah, although the PIF-owned sides do not hold an interest in him.

Most Saudi Arabian outfits are not looking to sign a defensive midfielder, which is the only position Casemiro could realistically offer his services in should he be interested in a transfer to the Middle East.

Following Al-Ahli’s decision to allow Allan Saint-Maximin to sign for Fenerbahçe, they are the only Saudi League club who are looking for a defensive midfielder – but this is currently unlikely to be Casemiro.

This comes after UtdDistrict learned last week that Al-Ittihad had considered Casemiro but decided that they wanted a more creative midfielder – this led to the pursuits of French talents Nabil Fekir and Houssem Aouar. According to Fabrizio Romano, Aouar is now set to sign for the Saudi Pro League side.

Pre-season captaincy

Casemiro started and played 45 minutes as Manchester United lost 1-0 to Rosenborg in the first of five pre-season fixtures this summer. He started as the captain before the armband was handed to Toby Collyer in the second half.

Next, the club will travel to Scotland to face Rangers before a two-week trip to the USA, during which Ten Hag’s men will face Arsenal, Real Betis, and Liverpool.

Once they return to Manchester, a Community Shield fixture against Manchester City awaits them on Saturday, 10 August.

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