Revealed: Casemiro facing huge call on £375,000-a-week Man Utd contract as Saudi Pro League clubs circle

The 33-year-old has, however, played his way back into favour with United, becoming a key part of Ruben Amorim’s plans. The experienced South American is charged with the task of filling a crucial holding midfield role in the Red Devils’ divisive 3-4-3 formation. Added steel is required in front of a three-man centre-half unit.

United are in the process of assessing all of those that have less than 12 months to run on their contracts. There is a 12-month extension option in Casemiro’s terms, which would take him through to the summer of 2027. Triggering that clause would mean keeping him on his current salary.

The Daily Mail are among those to report on how United are eager to trim their wage bill. That means Casemiro would need to take a sizable cut in order to prolong his association with the Premier League heavyweights. Amorim still believes that the ex-Madrid star “can add value beyond next summer”.

United are “planning a rebuild in their midfield”, with questions still being asked of how long England international Kobbie Mainoo will remain at Old Trafford. Manuel Ugarte is another that has struggled to convince of late, making Casemiro even more important to the collective cause.

He started four of the Red Devils’ opening five Premier League games this season, with a reckless red card being picked up in a battling victory over Chelsea. He missed a defeat at Brentford through suspension, but was back in Amorim’s XI for a much-needed victory over Sunderland prior to the latest international break.

Casemiro played the full 90 minutes in both of Brazil’s games during their trip to Asia, against South Korea and Japan, casting doubt over his ability to slot straight into the United side for their trip to Liverpool on Sunday. A long trip back to England will have been taken in by then.

Casemiro has made 83 Premier League appearances for United in total, scoring seven goals, and has added Carabao Cup and FA Cup winners’ medals to his CV across three full seasons with the Red Devils. He previously won three La Liga titles and five Champions League crowns during nine years with Real Madrid.

While United are reportedly open to the idea of keeping Casemiro around, Fabrizio Romano claims that no formal talks have been held as yet. The transfer guru has told the Here We Go podcast: “It is a strange situation for Casemiro because he is still a very important player for Manchester United. A very important starter for Ruben Amorim and one of the most important players in the dressing room. The status of Casemiro is not just about the performances but he is a serial winner. His trophy cabinet speaks for him. The leadership of this player is unbelievable and the power in terms of trophies and experience of this player.

“So he’s still a starter but at the moment there are no negotiations to extend his contract. There is a feeling around those close to the club that Casemiro might go in the summer 2026 after rejecting very important financial proposals especially from Saudi in the last few years. It is still not guaranteed that Casemiro and United will part ways but there is a concrete chance of them parting ways in the summer because at the moment they haven’t started discussing a new contract with Casemiro.”

According to ESPN, clubs in Brazil and the Saudi Pro League are keeping a close eye on Casemiro’s situation. If no fresh terms are agreed at Old Trafford, then he will be free to speak with interested parties outside of England from January.