The curtain is officially coming down on Casemiro’s Old Trafford career, but the Brazilian midfield general isn’t ready to leave the European elite just according to latest reports.
Despite Manchester United confirming in January that the 34-year-old will depart when his contract expires on June 30, Casemiro has reportedly snubbed lucrative interest from the Saudi Pro League and MLS. Instead, the former Real Madrid star is eyeing a move to Italy’s Serie A to prolong his stay at the top level of world football.
The “Modric Blueprint” at AC Milan
Sources close to the player, as reported by The Sun, suggest that Casemiro is inspired by his former teammate Luka Modric. The 40-year-old Croatian icon moved to AC Milan last summer and has proven that “footballing brains” can overcome ageing legs.
At 34, Casemiro is six years younger than Modric and believes his tactical intelligence makes him a perfect fit for the slower, more tactical pace of the Italian league. After 13 years at the pinnacle of European football with Madrid and United, a final chapter in the San Siro or Juventus Stadium appears to be the priority.
The Plea to Stay: “His Brain is Outstanding”
While the INEOS-led hierarchy has decided not to trigger Casemiro’s one-year extension—saving a massive £375,000-per-week in wages not everyone agrees with the move.
Former United striker Dion Dublin has issued a passionate plea for the club to reconsider. Speaking to OLBG, Dublin argued that Casemiro’s experience is irreplaceable:
“His footballing brain and knowledge are just outstanding. People say his legs are gone, but if you are clever, you have a long time in this game. You have to find someone as brave and as ‘Man United’ as him to replace him.”
Financial Impact: Making Way for the Future
The decision to let Casemiro walk away for free is a calculated risk by the United board. As we reported earlier today:
- Wage Savings: His exit, alongside Jadon Sancho, creates the “headroom” needed for a £70m move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
- Transition: With Ayden Heaven and Kobbie Mainoo emerging, the club is prioritizing a younger, more energetic midfield profile for the 2026/27 season.
Casemiro is now free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club outside of England. While his departure is a “football-first” business decision, his legacy as the man who helped stabilize United’s midfield during a turbulent era remains intact.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
