From Brazil: Inter eyeing a free transfer for Casemiro

Following his illustrious spell at Real Madrid from 2015 to 2022, during which he made 336 appearances, scored 31 goals, and won three La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies, Casemiro has endured a turbulent spell at Manchester United, where he has so far made 152 appearances, scored 24 goals, and won two domestic cups (the FA Cup and the League Cup). After four seasons and at the age of 34, the Brazilian international’s spell at Old Trafford appears to be drawing to a close. Both the player and Manchester United feel that the time has come to move on.

Having dominated Spanish football at the peak of his career, and having struggled in the Premier League during the twilight of his playing career, at 34 Casemiro could be considering three possible paths for his future: a return to Brazil, perhaps after winning a World Cup under the guidance of one of his mentors, Carlo Ancelotti, a move to a European league less demanding than the Premier League in strictly competitive terms, or the Arab option, to end his career by focusing primarily on one last lucrative contract.

In Serie A, there is no doubt that a player with Casemiro’s experience and qualities would be a valuable asset to many clubs, and Inter are certainly among them; their president, Beppe Marotta, is the undisputed master of free transfers. And what about his wages? At 34, coming off a salary of €18 million net per season at Manchester United, if Casemiro really wanted to try his hand at Serie A, he would obviously have to settle for much less. Taking into account the player’s age, experience and value, for any club looking to sign him, the option could be a two-year deal worth €5–6 million per season.