Manchester United midfielder Casemiro “would welcome” a tRANSFER in the Saudi Pro League during the January transfer window after falling out of favor at Old Trafford, a report says.
Casemiro has been frequently linked with a move away from Old Trafford over the past year. His United career has tended to be characterized by extremes, with heroic displays mixed with performances that suggest the Brazilian's best years are definitely behind him.
The 32-year-old, arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world during his Real Madrid heyday, started Monday night's Premier League defeat at home to Newcastle United. But it was his first start in a month, having largely been an unused substitute under Ruben Amorim.
Brazilian edition UOL reports that Casemiro's situation at United would “accelerate the process” and that there are “no major obstacles” that would prevent a move away.
It is not yet known which club in Saudi Arabia he may join. The country's sovereign wealth fund, otherwise known as the Public Investment Fund (PIF), controls a number of clubs – Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli – and will have to decide where to base itself. Casemiro.
Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq are owned by the government's Ministry of Sports, while Al Qadsiah are the domain of Saudi Arabia's state oil company.
Each club is currently at the maximum number of overseas players allowed, meaning departures must first facilitate new arrivals from abroad. Al Nassr may be the most obvious choice due to Casemiro's relationship with former Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Casemiro is one of the highest earners at Manchester United, along with him worried Marcus Rashfordwhich would also make a good allotment financially during challenging times.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has shared opinion on the ruthless cost-cutting that has mainly affected staff and day-to-day supporters, rather than underperforming players, at the same time as it has gone on a wasteful spree to sack Erik ten Hag, hire of Ruben Amorim and employment and dismissal. Dan Ashworth.