Manchester United midfielder Casemiro faces a summer exit from Old Trafford. The club confirmed his departure when his contract ends this season. Interest comes from Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr. No deal is done yet. The 33-year-old Brazilian wants to play on after four years in England.
Key Takeaways
- Casemiro leaves Man United on a free transfer at the end of the 2025-26 season.
- Inter Miami, Al Nassr, Sao Paulo, and FC Porto want him.
- He won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his time at the club.
- United chose not to extend his high-wage deal to free up money for midfield changes.
Background
Casemiro joined Manchester United in August 2022. He came from Real Madrid for £60 million. Back then, fans hoped he'd fix the midfield. And he did, at first. United finished third in his debut season. He scored in the League Cup final win that year. That ended a six-year trophy drought.
But tougher times followed. Injuries hit. Form dipped. Critics like Jamie Carragher said his legs had gone after a bad loss to Crystal Palace in 2024. Still, Casemiro bounced back. He started key games under managers Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. Now Michael Carrick leads the team. Casemiro impressed in his first derby start against Manchester City.
His contract runs until summer 2026. United had a 12-month extension option. But they won't use it. Reports say it's been decided for months. The club wants to cut high wages. Casemiro earns over £300,000 a week, though it dropped without Champions League money. Freeing that cash helps sign younger players.
Casemiro also has a clause. Start 35 games this season, and he gets an automatic one-year extension to 2027. He's at 18 starts now. Seventeen games left in the Premier League. No Europe or cups mean he must play every match. It's tight. But possible if he stays fit.
And he loves the club. In a statement, he said the fans' passion hit him from day one. He plans to fight hard these last months. World Cup prep with Brazil looms too. Clarity on his future helps him focus.
Key Details
Contract and Wages
United confirmed the news Thursday. Casemiro's deal expires June 2026. No renewal talks happened. The extension clause needs those 35 starts. With only league games left, it's all or nothing. Carrick must pick him every time. United could extend manually. But signs point no. They eye a midfield rebuild.
Wages matter big. His pay fell below £300,000 weekly sans Champions League. Top Champions League qualification could bump it back. But United sit mid-table. Playoffs at best. That saved the club millions.
Transfer Interest
Clubs line up already. Inter Miami leads the pack. Messi's team won the MLS last year. They want experience. Casemiro fits. Childhood club Sao Paulo calls too. FC Porto eyes a return to Europe. And Al Nassr? Ronaldo's Saudi side offers big money. No favorite yet. Casemiro weighs options.
Free transfer sweetens it. No fee needed. But wages stay high. Saudi clubs pay top dollar. MLS grows fast. Brazil pulls at the heart.
"I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life." – Casemiro
His words show the bond. Old Trafford crowds cheered loud. Trophies came. Memories stick.
United's side? They plan ahead. Check our coverage on ESPN's new MLB.TV deal for how broadcasters eye sports shifts. Midfield targets unnamed. But youth and speed top the list. Carrick knows midfield well from his playing days.
Time at United
Four years. Two finals won: FA Cup 2024, Carabao 2023. Europa League final in 2025. Goals in big moments. Like against Bournemouth last month. Fans saw grit. Even in rough patches. Ruben Amorim leaned on him early. Carrick kept that trust.
But age shows. At 33, pace fades. Premier League demands more. United wants fresh legs. Decision made. Clean break.
What This Means
Casemiro goes. United saves wages. Around £15 million a year freed. That funds two or three new signings. Midfield overhaul starts. Younger players fit Carrick's style. Long-term fix.
For Casemiro, choices. Miami means Messi reunion. Stars align there. Ronaldo link? Old Real Madrid pals. Saudi cash flows. Sao Paulo? Homecoming dream. Porto? Competitive edge.
United pushes on. Last games matter. Top-six finish? Europe next year. Casemiro helps that. Then goodbye.
League heats up. City derby done. More battles ahead. His starts count double now. Extension chase or clean exit.
Fans mixed. Thanks for trophies. Sad to see winner leave. But business rules football.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Casemiro's contract end?
A: At the end of the 2025-26 season, this summer.
Q: Which clubs want Casemiro?
A: Inter Miami, Al Nassr, Sao Paulo, and FC Porto show interest.
Q: Can Casemiro still extend his United deal?
A: Yes, if he starts 35 games this season. He's short 17 with 17 league games left.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Casemiro’s contract with Man United end?
At the end of the 2025-26 season this summer.
What clubs are interested in signing Casemiro?
Inter Miami, Al Nassr, Sao Paulo, and FC Porto have shown interest.
Could Casemiro extend his Man United contract?
Yes, automatically if he makes 35 starts this season; 17 needed from remaining league games.
