The 34-year-old Brazilian midfielder has told those close to him he is convinced he can still compete at a high level elsewhere in Europe. Manchester United announced last month that Casemiro will leave the club when his contract expires in June, following earlier rumors linking him with a move to the United States.
Casemiro and his family have spent time on holiday in Florida, and he flew to Miami during United’s recent 13-day break from matches. His wife Anna was also seen in Las Vegas earlier this month.
However, the Brazil international still owns a family home in Madrid, and continuing his career in Europe holds strong appeal. Sources close to the player say Italy could be his next destination – former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modrić joined AC Milan this summer. Modrić, who turns 40 in September, signed a one-year deal with an option for a further season.
The upcoming World Cup could be Casemiro’s last major tournament with Brazil, having been recalled to the national team last year by his ex-Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Casemiro has started 24 of United’s 29 matches in all competitions this season. Of the five he did not start, two were through suspension and one was a rest. The Real Madrid legend has also scored five goals, four of which came from set pieces. He has been a regular in United’s midfield since returning to the starting lineup in the Europa League knockout stages last February.
United tried to find a buyer for Casemiro in the Saudi Pro League in 2024 and again in the winter transfer window last year, but his £350,000 weekly wage proved a major obstacle. Sources say the defensive midfielder felt “disrespected” after club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe named him in March last year as one of five players “inherited” for the Ineos era.
United signed Casemiro from Real Madrid for £70 million in August 2022. He scored the opening goal in the 2023 League Cup final, a 2-0 win over Newcastle United. However, he was left out of the squad for the 2024 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, being dropped from the matchday list shortly after arriving at Wembley
