Casemiro's Man Utd future becomes clearer as update emerges on Saudi interest in former Real Madrid midfielder

According to Sky Sports, the heavily rumoured possibility that Casemiro could leave Old Trafford for a wealthy club in the Saudi Pro League is less likely than it was. The interest is described as "cooling of late". However, a departure later in the summer window is still not completely off the table.

After an excellent debut season, Casemiro's form dipped in 2023-24 and his departure, largely because of weekly wages thought to be around £350,000, has been a central part of the rebuilding narrative that has followed United since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's partial takeover. The most obvious destination for a high earner over the age of 30 has been Saudi Arabia.

Fabrizio Romano has a slightly different view, suggesting that Saudi Pro League interest has not necessarily cooled, but rather the lack of progress in any transfer is relatively normal over the complex nature of it. He said in a Daily Briefing: "The exit of Casemiro remains an important part of the story [of Man Utd pursuing Manuel Ugarte], but honestly guys, I can't confirm anything regarding rumours that United are having trouble selling him...no. Interest from Saudi in Casemiro remains but sometimes it just takes time to agree on contract, transfer fee and more."

Casemiro has been captaining Manchester United during pre-season, with Bruno Fernandes on holiday after Euro 2024. That is likely to continue in the short-term and highlights how Erik ten Hag sees the Brazilian as part of this squad. The Red Devils fly to the United States in the coming days to begin a summer tour, facing Arsenal in Los Angeles on July 27.