Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Casemiro is set to move to Manchester United. Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to Celta, he provided an update to reporters after their recent training session.
“We’ve spoken this morning,” Ancelotti confirmed. “He wants to try a new challenge, a new opportunity. I understand this, also the club does. Negotiations are ongoing for him. He won’t play tomorrow. Nothing is official but his willingness to leave is clear”, he added.
The Brazilian midfielder is set to move to Old Trafford for a reported €60m fee (plus €10m in add-ons) and will sign a four-year deal with the option of a further 12 months at Old Trafford on the table. But his transfer is unlikely to be complete in time for the midfielder to be included in the squad for Monday night's home game against Liverpool as he requires a visa.
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Casemiro could become one of Manchester United’s highest earners, reportedly on par with goalkeeper David de Gea on £350,000 a week but below his former teammate and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rumours also surfaced that the Brazilian would see his current salary double by moving to Manchester but have since been confirmed as untrue. United’s proposed deal to the 30-year-old is based on their qualification and then competing in the Champions League, and his salary will take a substantial cut if the side fails to reach the top four in the coming seasons.
Casemiro has been one of the most experienced, competent and dominant players in recent history. He could be the player Erik ten Hag needs to uplift this lacklustre United squad. The Brazilian is a five-time Champions League winner and has won three La Liga titles, three UEFA Super Cups, FIFA Club World Cups and Supercopa de Espana trophies, and one Copa del Rey as he etched his name in the history of Real Madrid forever.
Ten Hag will be hoping the addition of this decorated player will kickstart United’s season after a disastrous start to the 2022/2023 campaign. Notably, the Red Devils lost 2-1 against Brighton in the season opener and then suffered a shocking 4-0 defeat against Brentford.