Despite the European transfer window closing, Manchester United player has departed the club Although the European window has shut, the Saudi transfer window remains open for another week, and he has finally left Manchester United

Despite the closure of the European transfer window, speculation about Casemiro’s future at Manchester United continues. While most European teams have completed their summer transfers, the Saudi Pro League’s transfer window remains open for another week, leaving room for potential departures from Old Trafford.

Journalist Miguel Delaney has revealed that Manchester United are exploring the option of selling Casemiro, with several Saudi Arabian clubs showing strong interest. This has led to speculation that Casemiro, a key player for United, might soon move from Manchester to the Middle East, joining the growing list of high-profile players relocating to Saudi Arabia.

A transfer of Casemiro would be a significant move for Manchester United, especially following recent player exits. The departure of Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho has already marked changes at the club, but losing Casemiro would be even more impactful given his stature and crucial role in United’s midfield.

At 32 years old, Casemiro is Manchester United’s highest-paid player, earning £350,000 per week. His transfer from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 was hailed as a major coup, with his winning mentality and defensive skills seen as key to restoring the club’s past glories. His successful career at Real Madrid, including five Champions League titles, quickly endeared him to fans at Old Trafford.

Casemiro’s first season with United lived up to expectations. He played a central role in helping the team secure a top-four finish, a return to the Champions League, and their first trophy in six years with the League Cup. His leadership, physical presence, and ability to score crucial goals made him a vital asset for Erik ten Hag’s team.

However, the 2023/24 season has not seen the same level of performance from Casemiro. His recent struggles, highlighted by a poor display against Liverpool, have led to questions about whether age is affecting his game. At 32, Casemiro may not maintain his previous levels of intensity throughout a demanding Premier League season, which has led to increased speculation about a potential sale.

The Saudi Pro League offers an attractive option for veteran players, with its high wages and less physically demanding environment. With notable players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar already in Saudi Arabia, Casemiro might be tempted by the opportunity to join this emerging football hub.

For Manchester United, selling Casemiro presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, his departure could free up significant wages and enable the club to invest in younger, more dynamic midfielders suited to Ten Hag’s system. The funds from a potential sale could accelerate their search for a long-term replacement.

On the other hand, losing Casemiro’s experience and leadership would be a significant blow. His role in stabilizing the midfield and mentoring younger players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho has been crucial. His departure would add to the club’s transitional phase, especially after McTominay’s exit and with Mason Mount’s arrival, which brings a different style compared to Casemiro’s defensive prowess.

Moreover, with the European transfer window closed, Manchester United would be unable to sign a replacement until January, leaving a gap in midfield. Ten Hag would need to rely on a mix of Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, and potentially the inexperienced Kobbie Mainoo to cover for Casemiro.

As the Saudi transfer window deadline approaches, Casemiro’s future remains uncertain. His silence on the matter and the interest from Saudi clubs suggest that a move could be imminent. For United fans, losing Casemiro would be a difficult pill to swallow, especially after just one season. Nonetheless, football often requires tough decisions for the club’s long-term benefit.

If Casemiro does leave, it will mark the end of a brief yet significant chapter at Manchester United and the beginning of a new journey in the Saudi Pro League. Regardless of the outcome, Casemiro’s status as one of the world’s top midfielders is already cemented, and his potential move highlights the increasing trend of elite players heading to the Middle East for their final career stages.