Casemiro to Jeddah? United Should Thank Al-Ittihad for the Offer
Remember when Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford in August 2022, a five-time Champions League winner, for a reported £60 million? It felt like a genuine coup for Manchester United. He was the midfield general they’d been craving for years, a shield in front of the defense, and a surprisingly potent threat going forward. His debut season was electric, with seven goals and six assists in 53 appearances across all competitions, helping United lift the Carabao Cup and finish third in the Premier League.
But things change fast in football, especially when you hit 32. Sources are telling ESPN that Saudi champions Al-Ittihad are sniffing around Casemiro for a free transfer next season, and the move apparently hinges on what happens with Fabinho. Look, if I’m Erik ten Hag, I'm already packing Casemiro's bags and sending him off with a gold-plated thank-you note.
The Decline Was Sharp, And Costly
Last season, Casemiro looked a shadow of his former self. The relentless pressing, the bone-crunching tackles, the calm distribution – it all seemed to evaporate. He picked up a red card against Southampton in March 2023 and then another against Arsenal in January 2024. He missed a chunk of time with a hamstring injury from October to December, and when he returned, the pace of the Premier League often looked too much. Remember that humiliating 4-0 drubbing by Crystal Palace on May 6 where he was repeatedly exposed playing at center-back? He was credited with just 0.8 tackles per game in the league last season, down from 2.9 in his debut year. That’s a massive drop for a supposed defensive anchor.
Thing is, United paid a hefty fee for him, and his wages are reportedly around £300,000 a week. For a player whose performance dipped so sharply, that's a lot of money tied up. Al-Ittihad swooping in, even if it's for a free transfer, would free up a significant chunk of the wage bill. That’s money United desperately needs to re-invest in a younger, more dynamic midfield.
Fabinho's Shadow and Saudi Ambitions
Al-Ittihad's interest in Casemiro apparently hinges on Fabinho, who joined them from Liverpool last summer for around £40 million. Fabinho played 32 games for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, scoring one goal. It's a bit of a strange situation, implying they might need to offload one high-earning defensive midfielder to bring in another. But the Saudi league isn't shy about spending big to attract big names. They signed Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante last summer, too. The ambition is clear: bring in established European stars, regardless of their age, to boost the league's profile.
And that's where Casemiro fits in. Even with his recent struggles, his name still carries immense weight. He’s a brand, a global superstar who could still dominate in a less physically demanding league. For Al-Ittihad, he’d be another marquee signing, a leader in the dressing room, and someone who can dictate play against lesser opposition.
United's Midfield Makeover
Real talk: United needs a serious overhaul in midfield. They’ve been crying out for a proper defensive midfielder who can cover ground and protect the back four consistently. Casemiro was meant to be that man, but his legs just aren’t there anymore. Scott McTominay had a decent season with seven league goals, but he's not a holding midfielder. Kobbie Mainoo is a fantastic talent, but he's still young and needs a more experienced partner to truly thrive.
Letting Casemiro go, even without a transfer fee, would be a blessing in disguise. It clears the path for United to target a younger, more athletic option – maybe someone like João Neves from Benfica, who's been linked. They finished a dismal eighth in the Premier League last season, their lowest ever, and conceded 58 goals. That simply isn't good enough. Losing Casemiro now would be the painful but necessary step towards rebuilding.
My bold prediction? Casemiro will be playing in Saudi Arabia next season. And Manchester United will be better for it, even if it feels like a sad end to a once-promising Old Trafford chapter.