Casemiro to Saudi Arabia update as new Man Utd claim from Brazil emerges

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Casemiro has always appeared likely to be on the exit list for Manchester United this month.

Ever since arriving for £60m, Casemiro has been a player Manchester United fans have been eager to see the back of.

The Brazilian defensive midfielder enjoyed an impressive first season at the club, however since then has struggled to reach the same heights, rapidly declining in his ability.

Due to this, Ruben Amorim has wisely chosen to push Manuel Ugarte into the starting defensive midfielder role.

When given the chance to start, Casemiro has often lined up alongside Christian Eriksen – with Gary Neville saying this pairing cannot happen.

Due to this United have been trying to sell Casemiro and now there has been a major update on these attempts.

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Casemiro close to sealing Saudi Arabia move

So far this month, there have been plenty of rumours linking Casemiro with a move to Saudi Arabia

Now, according to the reliable Brazilian outlet UOL and journalist Bruno Andrade, Casemiro is on his way to the Saudi Pro League.

Speaking on Wednesday evening, it is claimed the 32-year-old is now ‘very close’ to making his switch to Saudi.

The Saudi Sovereign Fund has practically closed the transfer according to the report, with the contract for Casemiro now agreed.

However, as of now, the club he joins is unknown and will be defined later once the deal is finalised. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr is the favourite, with the United legend making demands for his former teammate to join him according to MARCA.

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Manchester United’s January transfer window is about to change

Selling Casemiro is a huge deal for United in a transfer window in which the club is strapped for cash.

With a lot of work to do, United had to sell to buy and by getting rid of Casemiro for the reported £25m – a big impact will be made.

Additionally, if Saudi are taking Casemiro’s full wage, it would be another £36.4m saved by the club – which is the amount still needing to be paid to the Brazilian.

So in theory this might give United a whopping £61m in the bank to use on strengthening the squad and for example the left wing-back position.