Manchester United will reportedly consider cashing in on midfielder Casemiro in January as they look to raise funds for a rebuild by incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The 31-year-old was signed by manager Erik ten Hag last summer for an initial £60m from Real Madrid, penning a five-year contract, and he enjoyed an impressive first season at Old Trafford.
Indeed, Casemiro contributed with seven goals and seven assists in 53 appearances for Man United across all competitions, helping the club win the EFL Cup and qualify for the Champions League courtesy of a third-placed finish in the Premier League.
However, Casemiro has struggled to find his best form this season and has received criticism for his defensive performances at a time when the Red Devils have endured a turbulent 2023-24 campaign in all tournaments.
The Brazil international, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, has recently been linked with a possible switch to Saudi Arabia, with some clubs in the Middle Eastern country said to have identified the midfielder as one of their primary targets for 2024.
© Reuters
According to talkSPORT, Casemiro could be allowed to leave Man United after incoming minority owner Ratcliffe completes his £1.3bn purchase of a 25% stake in the club.
The report adds that Ratcliffe is believed to be open to offers for Casemiro in January to help raise funds for a major squad rebuild.
Confirmation of Ratcliffe's arrival at Old Trafford is believed to be imminent and could be formally announced before Man United's next Premier League game away against Everton on November 26.
The 71-year-old British billionaire is expected to take full control of football operations at Man United when he arrives at the club, and he has allegedly made it clear to Ten Hag that funds will be available to improve the squad in the winter window.
Despite Ratcliffe's willingness to part ways with Casemiro, Fichajes reports that the Brazilian is not actively looking to leave the club in January.
© Reuters
Casemiro is not the only Man United player who could be heading for the exit door in January, as out-of-favour Jadon Sancho is widely expected to seek pastures new following his well-documented fallout with Ten Hag.
A possible loan exit for Sancho appears more likely at this stage, with clubs in Saudi Arabia as well as Serie A giants Juventus believed to be interested in his services.
There is also uncertainty over the long-term futures of French duo Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial, who have fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford and have been tipped to leave the club in 2024.
While Martial has started just two Premier League games this season and is out of contract next summer, Varane has not started any of Man United's last five top-flight matches and is allegedly interested in moving to the Saudi Pro League.
The potential sale of a number of first-team players in January could see the Red Devils step up their interest in several transfer targets including Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo, Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio, Benfica's Joao Neves and Porto's Mehdi Taremi.
Oliver Thomas
