Manchester United reportedly looked to sell Casemiro in 2024/25 and sought buyers from Saudi Arabia, but that will not be the Brazilian’s next destination.
In January, Manchester United announced that Casemiro would leave the club when his current contract expires at the end of the season.
It is believed that a clause exists in Casemiro’s contract where if he features in every game between now and the end of the season, a one-year extension would become available, but the official announcement from United suggests this will not be activated.
Since Michael Carrick replaced Darren Fletcher and Rúben Amorim, Casemiro has been integral to the side, alongside Kobbie Mainoo, with Amorim’s shape now seen as a big reason behind the Brazilian’s downfall in seasons prior.
Recently, Casemiro rejected a move back to Sao Paulo – his first club as a professional football – following a text message from one of the current players.
Now, it has been revealed where Casemiro wants to be playing football next season, as a reunion with a former Real Madrid teammate seems likely.
Casemiro wants to remain in Europe
As reported by The Sun, Casemiro wants to remain in Europe when he leaves Old Trafford this summer, with Italy cited as a potential location from sources close to the defensive midfielder.
A reunion with Luka Modric, who he played alongside at Real Madrid, hasn’t been ruled out; Modric now plays for AC Milan.
Sources close to Casemiro said he felt “disrespected” when Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed that he was one of the five players that INEOS had “inherited” – suggesting he wouldn’t be at the club had Ratcliffe already been in the door.
Casemiro’s recent holiday to the United States had caused him to be linked with MLS clubs, but it is understood the midfielder still feels he can compete at a “high level” elsewhere in Europe.
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Do United have to lose Casemiro?
If Casemiro still feels he can compete, why do United have to lose him?
Yes, he may be on a high wage, but director of football Jason Wilcox should be able to renegotiate a lower wage package that would represent Casemiro’s new terms at a different club.
Read More: Manchester United ‘agree’ first summer transfer as move could open door for standout youngster
If Michael Carrick can restore United to the Champions League with a top-four (potentially top-five) finish in the Premier League this season, Casemiro would be back competing in Europe’s elite competition.
It seems unlikely, but why not? Manchester United may have made a huge mistake by announcing his departure already.
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