Manchester United have decided not to trigger a one-year extension in Casemiro's contract, meaning the Brazil midfielder will leave the club when his deal expires this summer. The club are keen to refresh their midfield as part of a wider squad overhaul, targeting younger players for the long term. Casemiro earns approximately £430,000 a week, and his departure will free up funds for new signings.
Casemiro, who joined from Real Madrid for £70m in 2022, wanted his exit announced this month to help 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. “It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four 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 has made 146 appearances for the club, scoring 21 goals. United have drawn up a midfield shortlist including Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are considering a loan move for Brazil international Douglas Luiz from Juventus for the rest of the season. The 27-year-old is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, but a switch to Chelsea has not been ruled out. Chelsea are competing on four fronts and see Douglas Luiz as capable of providing midfield cover.
Chelsea's midfield options include Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Reece James, Dário Essugo, Roméo Lavia, and Andrey Santos, but injuries have limited some players' availability. Douglas Luiz excelled at Aston Villa before joining Juventus in 2024, but struggled in Italy and moved to Forest. He has made only two league starts due to a hamstring injury. Forest have an obligation to buy if he reaches a certain number of appearances, as well as an option to buy.
It remains to be seen whether Juventus and Forest will agree to Chelsea taking 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.
