At a glance
- Casemiro is set to leave United this summer
- Decision to leave was announced in January
- MLS and Saudi clubs interested in Brazilian
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has ruled out reversing his decision to leave Manchester United.
The Brazilian’s contract with the club ends this summer, with an announcement made in January. He will be leaving on a free transfer with his next destination up in the air. It is expected that clubs in the USA and Saudi Arabia will be interested in him.
Speaking on camera to Globe Esporte, Casemiro ruled out a romantic return to his homeland. At the age of 34, he wants to continue playing abroad. The former Real Madrid star started his career at São Paulo before making the move to Spain in 2013.
São Paulo’s football executive Rui Costa confirmed this in an interview: “He [Casemiro] immediately replied saying that his project was not to return to Brazil, that his project was to remain in another market.”
His recent form at United suggests that he is well capable of doing so. His old teammate Luka Modric, now at AC Milan, has shown that it is very possible for high-IQ players to play at the elite level during their mid-30s.
‘One More Year, Casemiro’ Plea Rejected
There were reports last week that suggested that Casemiro may consider signing a new contract at Old Trafford. Manager Michael Carrick is said to want the midfielder to stay beyond next summer, despite his own uncertain future.
Fans even chanted ‘one more year Casemiro’ during the victory against Aston Villa in early March. This was not chanted out of sentiment, but as a tribute to his key role in the side this campaign.
The ongoing 2025/26 season is his highest-scoring one to date, and especially under Carrick, he has flourished. His experience has also been hugely beneficial alongside the young Kobbie Mainoo.
Where to next?
Wherever Casemiro goes, he very well knows that it could be his last big-money contract. Suitors in MLS will offer him a chance to grow his commercial brand, whilst Saudi clubs will offer a pay cheque boost. He could also opt to stay in Europe, but his current wage bracket limits his options.
Family will be another factor to consider, hoping that they are as happy as they have been in Manchester. Coming from sunny Spain, it is almost a rarity for a big-name South American star to take to life in the northern capital as well as he has.
Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, Casemiro is a success story at United. When he initially signed for £60m on £350,000 per week, questions were raised. He immediately quashed the doubts in his first season by helping United turn around their dismal start in Erik Ten Hag’s first season.
However, he looked a shadow of himself in his second season at Old Trafford. Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher infamously said after a 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in 2024: “Leave the football before the football leaves you.” The Sky Sports pundit took back his own words earlier this year given the midfielder’s electric form.
