Casemiro has reportedly rejected a move back to one of his former clubs, as he looks to leave Manchester United in the summer.
In January, Manchester United announced that Casemiro would be leaving the club upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the season – a decision that left many fans heartbroken.
While his Old Trafford career hasn’t always lived up to expectations, Casemiro has been a stalwart in United’s midfield this campaign, even through the managerial merry-go-round of Rúben Amorim, Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick.
His partnership with Kobbie Mainoo under Carrick has seen both return to their best in a red shirt, as United look to qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season.
United were without any European football this year, due to Amorim’s 15th-place finish last campaign, but could go back up to fourth place with a win against Everton on Monday evening, and only three points behind third-place Aston Villa.
Casemiro will play a key role for United until the end of the season, but won’t play for the club next season, no matter how successful this campaign could be and how much of that success could be down to the Brazilian.
Casemiro rejects sensational return
After Casemiro announced he would leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, it was clear he wouldn’t be short of suitors, but a Sao Paulo player reportedly approached him just days after the announcement.
Casemiro came through the São Paulo academy before leaving for Real Madrid in 2013. He made 92 senior appearances for the club, but spent eight years in the youth setup.
São Paulo sporting director Rui Costa said: “We were one afternoon talking about it and one of our important players sent a message to Casemiro. Who wouldn’t like to have Casemiro in their team, right? I would!
“He immediately replied saying that his project was not to return to Brazil, that his project was to remain in another market”
Costa continued: “Does that mean São Paulo made a proposal for Casemiro? No. São Paulo did not make a proposal for Casemiro and it would not, in my view, be prudent to do so without having a clear picture of how our squad would look.”
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What’s next for Casemiro?
If Casemiro was simply looking to end his illustrious playing career with an easier few years, returning to São Paulo would’ve made perfect sense.
But rejecting that informal proposal suggests this isn’t the end for Casemiro.
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If he wants to continue in the Brazil national side, with Carlo Ancelotti as his manager once again, Casemiro will need to be playing at a high level. This suggests a move outside of Europe won’t be an option.
For a familiar environment, Casemiro could return to Porto, where he spent a season on loan, or even return to Spain.
Wherever he goes, this isn’t the last you’ve heard of Casemiro.
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