Casemiro to Jeddah? United Should Take the Money and Run

The whispers out of Saudi Arabia are getting louder, and this time, they’re about Casemiro. Al-Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, are reportedly circling the Manchester United midfielder. Sources tell ESPN that a move for the Brazilian could hinge on what happens with Fabinho, who’s already a key cog in their engine room. If Fabinho stays, maybe it's a no-go. But if Al-Ittihad moves on from him, Casemiro suddenly looks like a prime target.

Look, this isn't some shocker. The Saudi Pro League has been aggressively pursuing top European talent for over a year now. We saw Cristiano Ronaldo kick things off at Al Nassr in January 2023. Then came Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, and Fabinho himself to Al-Ittihad last summer. Casemiro fits the profile: a decorated veteran, a big name, and someone who, frankly, has seen his best days at Old Trafford.

United's Midfield Crossroads

Here's the thing: Manchester United paid Real Madrid a hefty £60 million for Casemiro in August 2022. He arrived and immediately brought a much-needed steel to their midfield, helping Erik ten Hag's side finish third in the Premier League and lift the Carabao Cup in his debut season. Remember that header against Newcastle in the final? That was peak Casemiro. He played 53 games across all competitions that year, a true workhorse.

But his second season? A different story. Injuries have plagued him, limiting him to just 18 Premier League appearances so far this campaign. When he has played, the explosive energy and defensive dominance that defined him at Real Madrid – where he won five Champions League titles – have been noticeably absent. He's still capable of a brilliant pass or a crucial tackle, sure, but the consistency isn't there. His defensive metrics have dipped, and he's often looked exposed in transition, particularly when playing against quicker, more dynamic midfielders. Against Arsenal at Old Trafford on May 12, he looked a step slow, struggling to keep pace with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

And let's be real, his wages aren't insignificant. Reports put him on around £350,000 a week. For a player who turns 33 next February and has struggled with fitness, that's a lot of capital tied up. United needs to rebuild, and that means being smart with their money.

The Fabinho Factor

The link to Fabinho is interesting. The former Liverpool man moved to Al-Ittihad last July for £40 million and has been a central figure for them. If Al-Ittihad decides to offload Fabinho, it opens up a substantial wage slot and a defensive midfield role. Casemiro, with his experience and leadership, would be a natural fit to anchor their midfield alongside N'Golo Kante. He'd instantly become one of the biggest stars in the league, bringing that global recognition the Saudis crave.

For United, this is a no-brainer. If Al-Ittihad are genuinely offering a free transfer for next season, it's a chance to get a high earner off the books and free up significant funds for new signings. The club needs a younger, more mobile defensive midfielder. Names like João Neves from Benfica or Amadou Onana from Everton have been floated, and either would offer more long-term value. Selling Casemiro now, or letting him walk for free next summer, allows United to completely reset that position. It's a harsh truth, but United can't afford sentimentality when they're trying to climb back to the top four.

My bold prediction? Casemiro will be playing in the Saudi Pro League by the start of the 2025-26 season.