Casemiro’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain with a departure in the January window still a “realistic scenario”, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The Sky Sports Germany reporter reveals there are “concrete talks” ongoing with a number of different clubs for the Brazilian midfielder.
As relayed by The Peoples Person, Serie A side Roma have expressed interest in signing Casemiro with manager Claudio Ranieri keen to add the 32-year-old’s experience and steel to the heart of I Giallorossi’s midfield.
The Italian league, played at a slower pace with much more emphasis on tactical control and defensive solidity, would represent a chance for Casemiro to recapture the form he has lost at Old Trafford in the last eighteen months.
The former Real Madrid man enjoyed a super debut campaign in Manchester following his £60 million move from Los Blancos in 2022. However, Father Time moved quickly to claim another victim as it was clear Madrid knew Casemiro’s legs were on their final…legs.
Last season, the Brazilian’s physical decline was brutally exposed as United’s midfield was repeatedly cut open at will by the opposition. And while Erik ten Hag’s suicidal brand of ‘football’ was the primary cause of this fragility, Casemiro’s inability to cope with the rigours of English football also played a part.
Ruben Amorim, who replaced Ten Hag in November, quickly identified this issue with the 32-year-old midfielder and has used Casemiro sparingly. In fact, since a 2-0 demolition by Newcastle in the Premier League on December 30, which saw the Magpies’ midfield run riot at Old Trafford, Casemiro has not started a game under Amorim.
United are keen for an exit in the January window but the Brazilian’s colossal wages – believed to be as high as £350,000 a week – make any deal difficult for potential suitors.
The Saudi Pro League remain a viable option, though clubs appear to be concentrating on younger targets in England before the February 3 deadline next month.
A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed Casemiro’s preference was the Middle East as it would be the only option which would see his wage packet at Old Trafford increased, rather than decreased. As such, the report suggested the Brazilian had “turned down” Roma’s advances for him.
However, Plettenberg contends “AS Roma are still exploring a deal” to sign Casemiro, indicating a move to the Italian capital remains a possibility.
🚨🟡🔴 Casemiro’s departure remains a realistic scenario until Deadline Day.
Various markets are being explored, and concrete talks with interested clubs are ongoing. #MUFC
AS Roma are still exploring a deal to sign Casemiro.@SkySportDE 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/lnm30zoVLA
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) January 31, 2025
Tweet: “Casemiro’s departure remains a realistic scenario until Deadline Day. Various markets are being explored, and concrete talks with interested clubs are ongoing. AS Roma are still exploring a deal to sign Casemiro.”
The Sky Sports reporter also reveals there are “various markets being explored”. The Saudi Pro League is likely to be one of these leagues, while there remains the potential of a switch to Turkey.
Regardless of the potential destination, shifting Casemiro’s wages would constitute a huge boost for United’s finances; particularly given Amorim’s clear preference for the 21-year-old Toby Collyer, who offers the physicality and stamina Casemiro has lost in the last two years.
Featured Image Carl Recine via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
