Manchester United will be in the market for a new midfielder in the summer transfer window as they prepare to bid farewell to Casemiro after four seasons at the club

Former Premier League midfielder Gareth Barry has urged Manchester United to move for Elliot Anderson as a replacement for Casemiro. The 34‑year‑old has already confirmed he will bring his Old Trafford spell to an end when his contract expires this summer.

United’s decision not to offer the experienced midfielder a new deal forms part of their wider squad overhaul. Casemiro joined from Real Madrid for an initial £60million in 2022, with add‑ons taking the total fee to £70million.

He earns around £300,000 per week, rising closer to £350,000 if United are in the Champions League. Manuel Ugarte’s future at M16 is also uncertain; several names have been linked as potential replacements for the pair.

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Carlos Baleba, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton have also been mentioned, but Barry believes Anderson would be the best fit for the role.

Speaking to BOYLE Sports, who offer the latest football odds, the former Aston Villa man said: “Man United are certainly going to be looking for a Casemiro replacement. Elliot Anderson is probably a slightly different player and a very different age, his skillset is a lot different.

“I like Elliot Anderson. If you’re a Man Utd scout, you’ll mention him. He’s one of the best off-the-ball players. He presses to limit the attacking player’s space. He’s one of the best around, and he’s capable of going the other way as well.

“That’s why Thomas Tuchel’s got him in his starting eleven over a lot of big-name players with England, and he’s a possible starter for the World Cup team. So I’m sure he’s being discussed in the Man United boardroom, as well as maybe other teams.

“I think, from that sort of experience for a player and a club, if the deal is going to happen, try to get it done as soon as possible. I think it just helps everyone. It helps both clubs and helps the player, especially going into a big tournament.

Barry continued: “He doesn’t want to be thinking about his club future while trying to win the World Cup for England. It’s not going to help anyone. Also, the price tag could be a bit steeper if he has a good tournament.

“If something like that is going to happen and the player’s got his head around the fact that it’s time for a move, it’s certainly better to be done before the tournament than after.”

However, Nottingham Forest are unlikely to let the 23‑year‑old leave after he has established himself as a key defensive midfielder at the City Ground following his move from Newcastle United in 2024. While a £100million fee was previously touted to prise him away, Forest’s battle against relegation could affect that valuation.

Vítor Pereira’s side sit 16th in the table, just three points above the drop zone with seven games remaining.

Manchester United are set for a summer of change with eight first-team players potentially leaving Old Trafford

Manchester United are bracing themselves for another transformational transfer window following their recent progress. A raft of senior exits are anticipated that could generate upwards of £100million, available for reinvestment.

Last summer’s substantial outlay of a little more than £200m may have stretched the club’s finances somewhat. Nevertheless, United could secure their most considerable income from player sales in a number of years, with eight or more first-team players potentially departing.

Among those, the moves appearing most certain at this stage are the free exits of Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia. Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has also already confirmed his departure despite remaining a valued starter.

Sancho is extremely unlikely to secure a new contract after his loan spell at Aston Villa concludes, while left-back Malacia has similarly failed to progress after spending the latter half of last season on loan at PSV. Consequently, his four-year stint looks set to end having made merely 10 senior appearances for United over the past three campaigns.

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While Michael Carrick, or whoever secures the permanent managerial position, may regret seeing Casemiro leave, his departure in particular does bring some tangible benefits. Notably, his £350,000-a-week salary will liberate substantial room on the wage bill and permit another marquee signing to arrive.

The same applies to Sancho, who still has 20 per cent of his almost £250,000-a-week wages covered by United during his stint at Villa Park. A comparable arrangement exists for £300,000-a-week earner Marcus Rashford, though United are anticipating a considerably greater financial return once his loan spell at Barcelona concludes in June.

Barca must now negotiate a price for Rasfhford after the £26m purchase clause in his contract recently expired. Interestingly, this could work in United’s favour, as another interested party may be prepared to exceed the stipulated fee should he move on elsewhere.

The other loan United are hopeful will generate significant funds involves Rasmus Hojlund. Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna described the £38m deal as “a formality” back in December, with the Italians likely to fulfil one condition of the arrangement by securing qualification for next season’s Champions League.

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The Red Devils may need to work considerably harder to find takers for the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee and Andre Onana. Ugarte, 24, has struggled to justify his £50m valuation since arriving at United from PSG in 2024, though his age and profile ensure he will attract interest.

Likewise, Zirkzee attracted considerable attention from Serie A clubs during the January transfer window. United opted to rebuff those advances while Carrick settled into his role as interim manager, but the Dutchman’s prospects at Old Trafford show little sign of improving.

Finally, Onana’s time in Manchester looks to be drawing to a close following Senne Lammens’ emergence as United’s first-choice keeper. And despite impressing during his loan spell at Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, all indications point towards United seeking to offload the Cameroonian and draw a line under his stint at the club for good.

On a more positive note, a promising period in the Super Lig may help to reignite outside interest in Onana. However, United will likely have to accept selling the goalkeeper for considerably less than his £44m fee.

Man Utd midfielder Casemiro sat down for a reflective interview with club media ahead of his exit this summer.

Casemiro believes Kobbie Mainoo and Matheus Cunha are the future of Manchester United. Casemiro has started alongside Mainoo in every Premier League game since Michael Carrick’s appointment.

Casemiro developed a strong understanding with Mainoo when he first broke into the team under Erik ten Hag, and the pair have rekindled their relationship over the last few months.

The Manchester Evening News have previously reported that Mainoo “loves” to play with Casemiro. Mainoo did not start in the league this season while Ruben Amorim was in charge, but Carrick has restored him to the starting XI, which has helped United’s midfield to look better-balanced.

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Speaking to club media, Casemiro said of Mainoo: “Kobbie is the present and the future. I think that he is one of the best no.8s and can be for that for the next 12 years. He is a player I really like.

“He always wants the ball. It is true that football can’t change your mentality, but Kobbie demonstrated that he hasn’t changed his focus once. He has to continue focusing like he is now and continue playing the important role he is now. But what a player he is, he is a great player.

“He has demonstrated this, in the Euros final with England, he has demonstrated it in finals, he scored in the FA Cup [in the 2024 final win over Manchester City]. He is the present and the future.”

Two years ago, Casemiro described Mainoo as a “complete player”. However, the youngster struggled for minutes under Amorim, who could not fit him into his 3-4-3 formation.

Mainoo’s performances alongside Casemiro earned him a recall to the England squad for the March international break. Casemiro has represented Brazil during the internationals, starring with Cunha for his nation.

Cunha has grown close to Casemiro since his transfer from Wolves and their families recently holidayed together in the United States. Casemiro was asked to pick out his favourite assist during his time at United, and he named his pass to Cunha for his goal against Brighton in October.

“I don’t know if it’s my favourite, but the assist I like is one I did this year for Cunha because he is a player that I have a lot of affection for, and he wanted to open his scoring account,” he said.

“And I was the first to give an assist, and I am sure he will always remember it, as he is a player that is going to be so important for United. And I was able to provide with him the assist.”

Speaking last month, Cunha said of Casemiro: “I’m always asking him: ‘Come on, stay at Manchester United. Just one year with me, no! Let’s go for the second little year. We’re very close, he’s always helping me, and it’s incredibly rewarding to play with him here and with the national team.

“I always learn from him and understand more and more how he won so many titles. He’s reached a stage where he can decide where to play.”

Man Utd midfielder Casemiro sat down for a reflective interview with club media ahead of his exit this summer.

Casemiro is grateful for the “love and affection” he has received from Manchester United fans. In January, United announced Casemiro would leave upon the expiry of his contract.

The Brazilian wanted to avoid speculation about his future, and the announcement meant his representatives could engage with potential suitors about his next move now that confirmation was out.

United agreed to Casemiro’s request to confirm his summer departure at that time, although it’s understood the decision not to renew his contract had been made well in advance of the announcement.

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Before the international break, United fans chanted “one more year, one more year Casemiro” during the 3-1 win against Aston Villa. Casemiro looked emotional when he scored in that game.

Despite the chants from fans for Casemiro to stay for another season, he will leave at the end of the campaign, but he admitted the affection from supporters has meant a great deal to him.

“Honestly, there is no explanation,” said Casemiro in an interview with club media when asked how the chants made him feel. “All I can do is be grateful because I am really enjoying myself a lot. Not just me, but all my family, so it’s an honour for us to listen to the fans’ love and affection.

“Lots of people think it is just the last few months since the announcement, but I have to be thankful since the very first day that I arrived here. The fans have been amazing with me and my family.

“I am going to remember them [fans] for the rest of my life. I feel so happy to have affection from the fans and the respect they have for me, so I feel gratitude for this love, it’s so exciting.”

Casemiro said his favourite memories from his four years in Manchester were his two trophy wins, the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

“What stands out most for all players are titles,” he added. “For me, it’s important to win all those important games because it’s all about winning titles. So the two titles I won stick with me. We have also been in three other finals, but the two titles I won are the most important memories, as they are for all the careers of the players, and for the club.”

United paid £60million plus £10m in add-ons to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022. He enjoyed a brilliant first season, winning the Carabao Cup and helping United to third in the Premier League, but his form plummeted in the following campaign.

He lost his place under Erik ten Hag, but Ruud van Nistelrooy restored faith in him during his caretaker stint. Casemiro later enjoyed a renaissance a few months into Ruben Amorim’s tenure.

Michael Carrick has started Casemiro in every Premier League game since his appointment as interim boss and he has scored seven goals this term, the most in a league campaign in his career. Overall, the midfielder has contributed 24 goals and 14 assists in 155 appearances for United.

Manchester United stars Casemiro and Matheus Cunha were under the spotlight as Brazil came out on top against Croatia

Casemiro and Matheus Cunha have both been praised in the Brazilian media for their role in the Brazil’s 3-1 victory over Croatia. Carlo Ancelotti’s final preparation ahead of this summer’s World Cup came against his former player Luka Modric’s nation.

Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to France last week, Brazil bounced back with a dominant display against Croatia in Orlando, Florida. Danilo broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time for Brazil, though the substitutes were the key difference makers late on.

Endrick won a penalty which was converted by Igor Thiago in the 88th minute while also providing the assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage time goal. But, amid all the fresh faces, the more experienced Manchester United midfield duo of Casemiro and Cunha still earned plaudits for their performances.

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Brazilian outlet Grupo Globo gave the former a match rating of 6/10, while fans gave him a somewhat harsh 5.4/10. Still, the captain’s impact was described positively, with the publication saying: “As usual, he ran a lot to close down spaces and recover balls – some of them in the attacking half, important for launching counter-attacks.

“He received a yellow card for a foul on Budimir at the edge of the penalty area. He left the field in the first round of substitutions, in the 15th minute of the second half.”

Grupo Globo also handed Cunha a rating of 7/10, while fans gave him a 6.4/10. They wrote: “Important both with and without the ball. He worked hard to close down the left side of the defence, thus allowing Vini Jr. more freedom.

“In the 35th minute of the first half, he delivered a great pass to João Pedro, whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Then, in stoppage time, he initiated a counter-attack with a beautiful long pass, leading to the first goal.”

However, the outlet went on to say that Cunha may be dropped from the starting line-up for the World Cup 2026. They claimed Ancelotti may try to fit Raphinha, currently injured, into Cunha’s preferred role behind the centre-forward ahead of the United playmaker.

Cunha and Raphinha had started against France in the previous game together, with Cunha being used centrally in a fluid front four, while Raphinha played out wide. The Barcelona man is racing to return for the World Cup, having picked up a hamstring injury in that fixture.

Meanwhile, ESPN Brasil deemed Casemiro’s performance worthy of a 6/10, saying: “As usual, he was solid in midfield and earned a rest for Fabinho’s entrance.”

They handed Cunha an improved 6.5/10, adding: “Good plays as a more mobile attacker, saw Livakovic make a beautiful save in the first half.”

Estadao singled out both players’ performances, saying: “The midfield functioned well and the game flowed better with Danilo alongside Casemiro and Matheus Cunha in inspired form. The four-striker formation was repeated. The difference is that Cunha, playing as a playmaker, found spaces to set up his attacking teammates.”

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Casemiro’s time at Manchester United is up in the summer and he has revealed his wife cried after supporters chanting his name at a recent game

Casemiro has admitted his wife cried when the Manchester United fans were asking for him to remain at Old Trafford for one more season. It comes after an agreement with United saw a clause in his contract cancelled.

The Brazilian, 34, is set to leave the Reds when his contract expires this summer. He joined United in a deal worth up to £70million from Real Madrid in 2022 and has spent the last four years in Manchester, making more than 150 appearances and winning two major trophies.

This season, Casemiro has been one of United’s most consistent performers. The ex-Porto man has missed just two matches for the Reds all season and has cemented a solid partnership with Kobbie Mainoo since Michael Carrick’s arrival in mid-January, as he tries to help the club seal a top-four finish.

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And during United’s last home game, a 3-1 win against Aston Villa, supporters sang, ‘One more year, one more year Casemiro’ after he opened the scoring for the Reds. The midfielder powered home a header from a Bruno Fernandes corner and celebrated in front of the North West corner.

After that, Casemiro’s wife Anna Mariana cried. “Well, honestly I feel so happy, especially for the affection from the fans, and the respect they have for me,” Casemiro said.

“So, it’s just gratitude for this love, it is so exciting. I am hoping not to cry on my last day, as it is such a beautiful experience. My wife already cried, the other day, when the fans were asking for one more year.

“So, I just want to enjoy it, enjoy all the moments and I will be a United fan for the rest of my life.”

Casemiro had a clause in his United contract that would have led to a one-year extension if he started 35 Premier League fixtures in his final season at the club, a tally that he remains on course to reach.

But Casemiro and the club reached an agreement in January to waive the clause during talks to formally announce that he would be leaving United at the end of the 2025/26 season.

He was told by United officials earlier in the season that his contract wouldn’t be renewed, but in early 2026, he decided to make the news public, a request to which United agreed.

Casemiro has just seven more matches remaining in a United shirt, starting with a Premier League fixture against Leeds United on Monday, April 13.

Manchester United talisman Casemiro has made a big statement by calling on his manager to reverse his decision and recall a household name

Casemiro has risked the wrath of Carlo Ancelotti after campaigning for Neymar to be reinstated in the Brazil squad. Ancelotti drew ire from many fans for omitting Neymar from his latest selection, with Manchester United’s Casemiro among those to disagree with the decision.

Neymar, 34, has been on a downward slope since re-joining boyhood club Santos in 2025. The attacker continues to shine in brief individual moments but the club has nevertheless become embroiled in a battle against relegation from the Brasileiro Serie A.

Ancelotti has not been convinced enough to retain the veteran’s talents ahead of what is likely to be his last chance to feature in a World Cup. However, this does not sit well with Casemiro, who was part of the team that lost 2-1 to France in a friendly on Thursday.

“We know how good Neymar is,” he said following defeat to Les Bleus. “He is indispensable to any national team, and especially when he is in form, he is one of the best in the world. For my generation, he is one of the top three: Cristiano, Messi and Neymar.”

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The former Real Madrid star acknowledged he won’t be responsible for whether Neymar is at World Cup 2026. That decision rests solely with Ancelotti as Casemiro continued: “It’s not up to me to decide who they’re going to call up.”

The 34-year-old, who has enjoyed a recent resurgence at United, was not the only one to address Neymar’s omission. The team were 2-0 down when Brazilian fans in the Gillette Stadium began chanting, “Ole, ole, ole, Neymar, Neymar,” in the 65th minute.

Brazil failed to record a statement victory over France on US soil. France took the lead through Kylian Mbappe and Hugo Ekitike, with Bremer’s late goal unable to inspire a Brazilian comeback.

While fan sentiment was clear, Ancelotti brushed off questions about Neymar. The veteran manager preferred to discuss those he had picked, having started the game with a quartet of forwards in Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Junior and Gabriel Martinelli.

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“We should be talking about those who were here, who played, who gave their all, who stepped up, and who worked hard,” Ancelotti said. “I am satisfied.”

On Brazil’s overall performance, he added: “I think today’s game makes it very clear to me that we can compete with the best teams in the world. I have no doubt about that.

“We played against a very strong team with a lot of quality, and we competed until the very last moment, while the opponent was wasting time to secure the victory. I am convinced that we will fight for the World Cup with all our energy.”

United midfielder Casemiro played 84 minutes, earning his 83rd cap for Brazil and captaining his country. Meanwhile, Cunha featured for 71 minutes before being replaced by Brentford striker Igor Thiago. Brazil are now preparing to face Croatia in Orlando, Florida next week.

Casemiro will leave Man Utd at the end of the season but he is still in excellent form and the fans are hoping he might yet end up staying at Old Trafford.

Casemiro is expecting an emotional farewell when he leaves Manchester United at the end of the season and said he didn’t expect to see the decision to depart Old Trafford to be reversed.

United announced in January that the Brazilian midfielder would be leaving when his contract expires at the end of the season, having made the decision not to offer him an extension.

But he has started all 10 games under Michael Carrick and has been in excellent form for the club, with supporters chanting ‘one more year, one year more year, Casemiro’ after his performance against Aston Villa earlier this month.

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United have given no indication they are ready to reopen contract talks, however, and speaking after Brazil’s friendly with France on Thursday night, the 34-year-old said he believed the decision had been made and that he was ready for an emotional end to his four years at the club.

“I am still enjoying it a lot (in Manchester),” Casemiro told The Athletic after the game. “I believe the announcement is now done. It is huge, the affection that the fans have shown towards me.

“But I do really believe the decision is made and done. I am enjoying myself right now. I believe it will be some difficult (emotional) moments, these (final) games at Manchester United.”

Casemiro has had an eventful career at Old Trafford, but it looks like he is ending it on a high from a personal point of view, with his recent displays showing he remains as good as ever. He has been suited by the lighter schedule this season, with United playing just 40 games, but after an excellent run under Carrick the club are on course to return to the Champions League, which will mean a bigger workload next term.

There is also the question of who will be in the dugout for 2026/27, with Carrick putting himself in pole position, and Casemiro was full of praise for the 44-year-old, who has taken 23 points from a possible 30.

“Above all, Michael is a specialist in my position on the field, he was a truly great player,” he said. “That makes everything much easier and he is always talking to us.

“I feel like we are in a good dynamic right now in Manchester and my objective now is to get the club back into the Champions League.”

Manchester United’s Casemiro and Matheus Cunha began their national team duty with a loss ahead of the World Cup this summer

Casemiro and Matheus Cunha couldn’t stop Brazil from falling to a 2-1 loss to France in a glamorous friendly clash.

The Manchester United duo both started for Carlo Ancelotti in Thursday’s match at Gillette Stadium – the home of the NFL’s New England Patriots. Playing in front of a crowd of 66,215 attendees, the turnout was the largest to watch a football match at the Foxborough ground since Brazil’s friendly against Mexico in 2007.

The Selecao came out on top in the match 19 years ago, but history failed to repeat itself with the five-time World Cup winners losing to Didier Deschamps’ team. It was Kylian Mbappe who opened the scoring in the first-half with a delightful chip over Ederson before Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike doubled the scoring with a similar finish past the ex-Manchester City goalkeeper.

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Brazil managed to pull a goal back through defender Gleison Bremer but couldn’t muster up enough to level the scoring with France earning a confidence-boosting win ahead of the biggest tournament in international football this summer.

Casemiro played 84 minutes with Cunha lasting 71 minutes in a disappointing night for the South American giants. Brazilian media outlets had their say on the performances from the United pair who’ve enjoyed recent success at club level.

Globo

Casemiro – the captain of Brazil – was playing his 83rd game for his country but was awarded a mere 5/10 by newspaper Globo, which lamented his role in France’s opener. The 34-year-old was dispossessed by Aurelien Tchouameni before Ousmane Dembele’s through ball gave Mbappe an easy finish in the box.

Despite his error, the outlet also focused on some of the better aspects of his 84 minutes on the pitch. They wrote: “He faltered on France’s first goal, being dispossessed and giving rise to the counter-attack.

“On the other hand, he was important both with and without the ball. He made good passes, attempted shots, and worked hard to close down spaces and make tackles.” Cunha was also given a 5/10 rating with Globo taking aim at his lack of potency in the final third.

They added: “He moved around a lot to provide passing options and help create plays. He only took one shot, in the 34th minute of the first half, from outside the penalty area.”

ESPN Brasil

ESPN Brasil was also on hand to react to the defeat with Casemiro once again given a 5/10 rating. The outlet slammed his reaction after partially gifting France their opening goal. They commented: “He was dominating the midfield until he made the mistake that led to the counter-attack and Mbappe’s goal, which opened the scoring. He had moments of losing control with the referee and a rather discreet performance until the end.”

Cunha was handed an identical rating by the outlet, which took exception to his lack of threat in front of goal. The report analysed: “Good runs and ball control, but without contributing as much to the attack as one would expect from someone in his position. Only one shot in the first half, which went wide to Maignan’s left.”

Folha de S.Paulo

Folha de S.Paulo echoed the sentiments of their fellow national media outlets in bemoaning the minimal action France’s Mike Maignan had to deal with despite a star-studded attacking line-up, including Cunha.

They wrote: “The quartet formed by Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha and Gabriel Martinelli hardly gave the French goalkeeper Mike Maignan any trouble.” They did mention the key role Cunha played in the red card handed to Dayot Upamecano.

They also added: “The defender received a yellow card after fouling Matheus Cunha at the edge of the area. After reviewing the play on video, the referee opted to send off the defender directly, considering it a clear goal-scoring opportunity.”

Estedao

Cunha – who has scored just seven goals in 30 games across all competitions for United this season – has failed to show the same form he displayed at Wolves as Estedao analysed his failure in turning the game on its head, alongside his fellow forwards.

They said: “Raphinha, Vini, and Martinelli moved around a lot, but did little. With four forwards – Matheus Cunha being the other – there was no one to orchestrate the game, to speed up or slow down the pace when necessary. Poor decisions in finishing plays cost the Brazilian team dearly, who shot five times and missed the target in all of them in the first half.”

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Manchester United still plan to allow Casemiro to leave at the end of the season and several clubs are in the mix to land the Brazilian international

Several weeks have passed since Manchester United confirmed Casemiro would be leaving the club at the end of the season and there are no plans for that to change. The Brazilian’s contract expires in the summer and he will be allowed to leave for nothing, with a few teams sniffing around.

There has, however, a notable change regarding what happens before then. United have added a clause whereby Casemiro will be able to play all of their remaining games without it triggering an automatic contract extension.

Had he started 35 games and not agreed to the clause, the former Real Madrid star would have automatically extended his deal by another year. He has started 28 of their 31 so far so the tally would have been within his grasp.

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“I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life,” the veteran said in January when his exit date was confirmed. “From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club.

“It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months. We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed.”

Casemiro has been in Europe since joining Real Madrid from Sao Paulo in 2013 but his next move could well take him to a new continent. We’ve looked at some of the options open to him.

Inter Miami

The end of the 2025 season was a time of transition for Inter Miami. They won their first ever MLS Cup but also lost two experienced figures with the retirement of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.

They already have their Alba successor in the form of Sergio Reguilon, whose arrival was announced before the turn of the year. They could also do with a new central midfielder to replace Busquets, though, so perhaps it’s no surprise that ESPN name them as one of three clubs in the hunt for Casemiro.

However, this is complicated by the Designated Player rule, whereby clubs are only allowed three such players outside the salary cap. Miami already have three – Lionel Messi, Rodrigo de Paul and new signing German Berterame – with The Athletic noting that Casemiro would likely need to agree to a dramatic salary cut if he wants to join.

LA Galaxy

Over in Los Angeles, David Beckham’s former club could make the most of a difficult situation to incorporate Casemiro. They also have their three DP spots used up but one of those players – former Barcelona star Riqui Puig – will miss the entire 2026 season after undergoing knee surgery.

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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL

There’s already a significant Brazilian contingent at the club. Former Vasco Da Gama star Gabriel Pec made the MLS All Star team in his first season after returning 16 goals and 14 assists – though his output declined last term – while new forward Joao Klauss has five goals in as many games since joining from St Louis.

LA Galaxy started slowly last season, failing to win any of their first 16 league games and falling short of the play-offs. If they can get an experienced head like Casemiro to join fellow big name Marco Reus they might be able to turn things around.

Al-Ittihad

A move to Saudi Arabia has been floated in the past, though which club was another question. Now, though, Al-Ittihad look like the most obvious contenders.

The Jeddah outfit, who have also been linked with Mohamed Salah, could lose central midfielder Fabinho when his contract expires in the summer. Even if former Liverpool star Fabinho ends up agreeing new terms, the mid-season exits of N’Golo Kante and Karim Benzema leave them on the lookout for reinforcements.

Al-Ittihad sit sixth in the Saudi Pro League and look set to miss out on AFC Champions League Elite qualification, though they’re into the knockout stages of this year’s continental competition. A multi-year deal for their next marquee signings might lay the foundations to help them return to the top table.