Despite the English transfer window closing earlier this month, a £70 million Manchester United star is a target for various Saudi clubs.
In an imperative season for Rúben Amorim, Manchester United have started a complete overhaul this summer transfer window, with four new additions making the move to Old Trafford.
Senne Lammens was the most recent acquisition, as he signed for the club on Deadline Day after an extensive transfer saga involving Leeds United and Sunderland, who were both linked to the Belgian.
However, United’s transfer activity extends beyond signings; the Reds sold two players on a permanent basis and loaned various players out with optional future fees. André Onana has agreed to leave on loan this week too.
Despite the club not being able to find a replacement as the transfer window is shut, one more player is flirting with a move to Saudi Arabia while their transfer window is still open.
Casemiro attracts interest from Saudi Arabia
Brazilian starlet Casemiro – who cost United £70 million in 2022 – is set to leave the club next summer on a free transfer, as his current contract expires in the summer of 2026.
However, Jorge Nicola has suggested United are ready to cash in on the 33-year-old at the end of the season, although the Saudi Arabian transfer window doesn’t close until Tuesday, 23 September, so he could still leave this summer.
Casemiro, who has had a polarising career in Manchester so far, has at times struggled to match the intensity of the Premier League, which has been highlighted by the period of uncertainty the Reds have found themselves in.
As one of Erik ten Hag’s most expensive signings, Casemiro arrived with great expectation and excelled in his first season at the club, though his performances have waned since.
Now, Saudi Arabian clubs have reignited their interest in Casemiro and are looking to make a move before their transfer window closes later this month, while Brazilian sides are also eyeing a move for the former Real Madrid midfielder, with a total of five clubs interested.
Casemiro sale to raise funds for Baleba move
The club has identified a defensive midfielder as a priority target for the winter transfer window, with Adam Wharton and Morten Hjulmand on the shortlist.
However, Carlos Baleba has been the dream target for United for some time now, and the club is set to rival Chelsea for a possible move in January.
Interest in Casemiro could prove vital in the process of securing Amorim’s dream midfield signing, along with the departures of Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
But if he was to leave in the coming weeks, Casemiro’s sale would leave a gap in the squad, with the Brazilian starting all three Premier League fixtures so far this season. It feels unlikely to happen, with Manuel Ugarte not good enough to start consistently.
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