Al-Ittihad wants Casemiro. That’s the word coming out of Saudi Arabia, and it makes a twisted sort of sense for a club that’s already brought in N’Golo Kante and Fabinho. ESPN sources say the Saudi champions are circling the 32-year-old Brazilian, but there's a big "if" attached: Fabinho. It seems his future in Jeddah isn't as secure as it once was, despite his 2023 arrival from Liverpool for a reported £40 million.
Look, Casemiro's first season at Old Trafford, 2022-23, was genuinely brilliant. He arrived from Real Madrid for a hefty £60 million, immediately shoring up a midfield that had been crying out for a proper destroyer. He made 53 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and adding six assists. Remember that Carabao Cup final against Newcastle? He scored the opener in a 2-0 win, securing United's first trophy in six years. He looked every bit the five-time Champions League winner he is.
Then came the 2023-24 campaign, and it was a different story entirely. Casemiro struggled with injuries, missing 17 games due to hamstring and ankle issues. When he was on the pitch, the dominant, ground-covering midfielder of the previous season was largely absent. His defensive metrics plummeted. He was dribbled past 2.3 times per 90 minutes in the Premier League, up from 1.2 in his debut season. His pass completion dropped from 80.3% to 75.9%. He looked slow, often caught out of position, particularly in games against quicker, more fluid attacking sides. The 4-0 drubbing at Crystal Palace on May 6th, where he was directly at fault for two goals, felt like a nadir.
Here's the thing: Manchester United needs to be ruthless. They need to rebuild, not cling to past glories. Casemiro's reported £350,000-a-week wages are a massive drain for a player whose best days are clearly behind him. Selling him, even for a reduced fee, would free up significant salary space and allow them to invest in a younger, more dynamic midfielder. Think about the energy a player like João Neves, reportedly on United's radar, could bring compared to what Casemiro offered last season. It’s not just about age; it’s about mileage and the relentless pace of the Premier League.
Al-Ittihad’s interest isn't just about Casemiro's name recognition. Their domestic season was a disappointment, finishing fifth in the Saudi Pro League, a whopping 31 points behind champions Al-Hilal. Fabinho, despite his big transfer, didn't consistently hit the heights expected. If they can offload him, perhaps to another Saudi club or even back to Europe, it opens up a spot for Casemiro. The Saudi Pro League, while improving, is still a less physically demanding environment than the Premier League. Casemiro could thrive there, dictating play and using his immense experience without being constantly exposed for a lack of pace. Plus, linking up with Karim Benzema again, his former Real Madrid teammate, might appeal.
Real talk: United should bite Al-Ittihad's hand off if a reasonable offer comes in. A transfer fee of even £20-30 million, combined with shedding those wages, would be a win for Erik ten Hag's rebuild. Keeping him for another season, hoping he magically recaptures his 2022-23 form, is a gamble United can't afford. My hot take? Casemiro's move to Al-Ittihad will happen, regardless of Fabinho's status. The Saudis want big names, and United desperately needs to clear house.