Casemiro will leave Manchester United at the end of the season after the club opted not to trigger a one-year extension in his contract. The Brazilian midfielder, who joined from Real Madrid in 2022 for £70m, will depart when his deal expires in the summer, allowing United to plan their summer transfer strategy.
United are keen to refresh their midfield with younger players as part of a squad overhaul. Casemiro earns around £430,000 a week, and his departure will free up funds for new signings. The club have shortlisted Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton as potential targets.
Casemiro wanted his exit announced this month to help him secure his next move. He plans to continue playing after representing Brazil at the World Cup, with interest from clubs in Major League Soccer, Saudi Arabia and his homeland. “I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life,” he said, adding that his focus remains on helping the club succeed in the remaining months.
During his time at United, Casemiro won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, scoring the first goal in the 2023 Carabao Cup final. He made 146 appearances for the club, scoring 21 times.
In other news, Chelsea are considering a loan move for Brazil international Douglas Luiz from Juventus, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest. Chelsea are competing on four fronts and need midfield cover, with Dário Essugo injured and Roméo Lavia not having played since November. Luiz, 27, excelled at Aston Villa before struggling at Juventus, and has made only two league starts since Sean Dyche became Forest manager due to a hamstring injury.
Forest have an obligation to buy Luiz if he makes a certain number of appearances, and an option to buy. It remains to be seen whether Juventus and Forest will allow Chelsea to take over the loan. Chelsea are also in the market for a defender but have yet to agree a fee with Rennes for Jérémy Jacquet, who is valued at around £60m.
