Man United happy to take hit on £60m signing with two clubs eyeing up transfer

Casemiro could be the latest star player to swap Europe for Saudi Arabia with Manchester United prepared to cash in on the midfielder, talkSPORT understands.

The 32-year-old enjoyed an indifferent second season at Old Trafford following his £60million switch from Real Madrid in 2022.

He struggled with consistency, resulting in the Red Devils finishing eighth in the Premier League – and him left out of Brazil’s Copa America squad.

And he could now be set for a new adventure in the Middle East with it believed United are happy to get him off their wage bill.

talkSPORT told you in February how new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was prepared to take a big hit on the five-time Champions League winner.

It is understood that he would cost around £25m-£30m with potential bonuses – a huge deduction on the £60m they forked out on him just two years ago.

We also reported in May how Casemiro was being targeted by Saudi clubs, with a potential reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr lined up.

A move to join his his ex-Real teammate remains a possibility, with Luis Castro’s side one of two teams that are serious options.

The one is current top-flight champions Al Ittihad, where he would be reunited with another Los Blancos legend in Karim Benzema and compatriot Fabinho, as well as French maestro N’Golo Kante.

Meanwhile Al-Qadsiah, Al Ahli and Al Hilal have all expressed interest in Casemiro in the past.

John Murtough, who recently stepped down as United’s sporting director after 11 years, visited the Gulf nation in January where he held meetings regarding Casemiro’s potential exit.

As it stands, it remains to be seen whether Casemiro would welcome a move to Saudi Arabia.

It is believed he will hold talks with boss Erik ten Hag by the end of the month to discuss his future.

But should he express an openness to make the switch, offers could come in fast for the player.

That is because the Saudi transfer window opens on July 17, with clubs once again looking to quickly pip European teams in the market.