Casemiro to Jeddah? United Should Just Say Yes.
The whispers out of Saudi Arabia are getting louder. Al-Ittihad, fresh off signing N'Golo Kante and looking to offload former Liverpool man Fabinho, have reportedly set their sights on Manchester United's Casemiro. Sources close to ESPN confirm the interest, suggesting a move could happen if Fabinho departs. Frankly, for United, this isn't a tough call. They should be packing Casemiro’s bags themselves.
The Brazil Factor in the Desert
Look, Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford in August 2022 for a hefty £60 million fee, a price tag many questioned for a 30-year-old. His first season was strong, no doubt. He bagged four goals and three assists in 28 Premier League appearances, providing some much-needed steel in midfield. The Carabao Cup final against Newcastle saw him score the opener, a header that settled a lot of nerves. But that was then. The 2023-24 campaign was a different story entirely. He missed 17 games with various injuries, including a hamstring strain that kept him out for nearly three months from November to February. When he did play, he often looked a yard off the pace. Remember the Crystal Palace game in May? Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise ran riot as Palace thumped United 4-0, and Casemiro, playing at center-back due to injuries, was exposed time and again.
Al-Ittihad already has Fabinho, but the word is they want him out. His performances haven't matched expectations since his move from Anfield last summer. The Saudi Pro League only allows eight foreign players, and with Karim Benzema and Kante already on the books, a swap or sale of Fabinho to make room for another big name like Casemiro makes sense for them. They're trying to build something serious over there, and stacking the midfield with proven winners is their strategy.
United's Midfield Conundrum
Here's the thing: United needs to rebuild, not cling to past glories. Casemiro's wages are reportedly around £300,000 a week. That's a massive chunk of change for a player who, at 32, is clearly past his peak and increasingly injury-prone. His decline in pace and mobility was glaring last season. United conceded 58 Premier League goals, their worst defensive record in the modern era. While not all on Casemiro, his diminishing ability to cover ground in front of the back four was a contributing factor. Kobbie Mainoo, at 19, showed flashes of brilliance and a maturity beyond his years, but he can't do it all. Scott McTominay offers energy but lacks the technical finesse needed for a top-tier holding midfielder.
Selling Casemiro, even for a reduced fee – say, £20-30 million – would free up significant wage budget and transfer funds. United desperately needs to invest in a younger, more dynamic defensive midfielder. Someone who can press, recover, and distribute with precision for the next five years, not just the next five months. Think of the impact Declan Rice has had at Arsenal since his £105 million move. United needs that kind of player, and keeping Casemiro blocks that path.
The Inevitable Departure
Real talk: Casemiro’s best days are behind him. His five Champions League titles with Real Madrid are legendary, but trophies won in 2018 don't help United win games in 2025. This isn't sentimentality; it's business. United needs to be ruthless. They can't afford to carry high-earning players who aren't delivering consistent, top-level performances. The club finished eighth in the Premier League, their lowest position since 1990. That's unacceptable.
Al-Ittihad offers a soft landing for a player who has given a lot to European football. It's a chance for Casemiro to continue playing at a high level, albeit in a less demanding league, and earn a substantial final payday. For United, it's an opportunity to clear the decks, shed a massive salary, and invest in their future. They should not hesitate.
**Prediction:** Manchester United will sell Casemiro to Al-Ittihad for £25 million, allowing them to pursue a younger, more athletic defensive midfielder before the summer transfer window closes.