Casemiro to Jeddah? United Should Take the Money and Run
The Saudi Pro League's siren song is getting louder, and this time it's aimed squarely at Manchester United's midfield general, Casemiro. Sources are telling ESPN that Al-Ittihad wants the Brazilian on a free transfer next season. And here's the kicker: it apparently hinges on what happens with Fabinho, who’s already out there. Look, United paid Real Madrid a reported £70 million for Casemiro in August 2022. He was immense that first year, a genuine game-changer as United won the Carabao Cup and finished third in the Premier League. He scored seven goals across all competitions, including the opener in that Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
But then came this season. Injuries, sure, but also a noticeable drop-off. Casemiro looked slow, often caught out of position, and the relentless pressing that defined his peak years seemed to evaporate. Remember that FA Cup semi-final against Coventry? He was subbed off at halftime. Not exactly the dominant presence United expected from a player on reported wages north of £300,000 a week. He only played 25 Premier League games this past season, a stark contrast to his 28 in his debut campaign.
The Fabinho Precedent and Saudi Ambition
Al-Ittihad's interest isn't just a random shot in the dark. They already have N'Golo Kante and Fabinho anchoring their midfield. Fabinho, who joined from Liverpool in July 2023 for around £40 million, has been a key figure, making 32 appearances for them in his first season. If Fabinho moves on, say to another Saudi club or back to Europe, it opens up a huge slot for Casemiro. The Saudis aren't messing around. They brought Cristiano Ronaldo over in December 2022, then followed up with Karim Benzema, Riyad Mahrez, and Roberto Firmino last summer. They want big names, and Casemiro, even at 32, still carries that cachet.
Here's the thing: United needs to be realistic. They're trying to rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Clearing a massive wage like Casemiro's, even if it's a free transfer, frees up significant funds for new blood. They've been linked with younger, more dynamic midfielders like João Neves from Benfica. Paying a player who looks past his best such a colossal salary while trying to usher in a new era just doesn't make sense.
A Necessary Parting of Ways
United finished eighth in the Premier League this season, their lowest finish in the competition's history, despite winning the FA Cup in May. That tells you everything you need to know about the squad's overall balance and performance. Casemiro, for all his past glories, wasn't the solution anymore. He managed only two assists in the league this season, down from three last year. His passing accuracy, while still decent at 84.4%, didn't always translate into forward momentum.
My hot take? Manchester United should actively facilitate this transfer, even if it means agreeing to a nominal fee to get him off the books a year early. It’s better to cut ties cleanly and reinvest. They got a fantastic season out of him. He helped them win a trophy and stabilize a chaotic midfield. But football moves fast. His legs aren't what they once were, and the Premier League demands relentless energy. Let him go enjoy a lucrative final chapter in Saudi Arabia.
This move, should it happen, isn't just about Casemiro. It’s about United finally making the tough, smart decisions necessary for a proper rebuild. They can't afford sentimentality.
Bold Prediction
Casemiro will be playing in the Saudi Pro League by the end of the summer transfer window, regardless of Fabinho's immediate future.