Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is one of the highest earners at the club and his current contract is set to expire in 2026
Casemiro pictured on the ball for Manchester United during their end of season tour
Casemiro pictured on the ball for Manchester United during their end of season tour
(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United have been handed a lifeline should they wish to sell Casemiro in the summer transfer window thanks to Al Nassr's current business.
It has been reported that the Saudi Pro League club, who recently extended Cristiano Ronaldo's contract, are close to officially announcing Jhon Duran's exit. Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce are closing in on the deal for the striker who the Middle East club only signed for £70m back in January.
During his time in Saudi Arabia, Duran has scored 12 goals in 18 appearances and yet it is deemed unlikely that Al Nassr will make a profit on his exit. For United, this is of little concern, but the reported impending transfer could help the Reds.
Once Duran leaves, a new spot will be opened up in Al Nassr's team for an overseas player to join. The current Saudi Pro League rules state that a team can sign eight overseas players of any age and two that are under the age of 21 when they agreed their deal.
At the moment, all of their spots are full for overseas players but should Duran leave, they would be able to sign a player of any age to replace him. It has widely been reported that Al Nassr have been keen on Casemiro for some time due to his close friendship with Ronaldo.
United, meanwhile, are thought to be willing to sell any of their players this summer for the right price. Casemiro would likely be high on that exit list considering his salary and the fact he has just one year remaining on his current deal.
Jhon Duran celebrates scoring for Al Nassr
Jhon Duran celebrates scoring for Al Nassr(Image: Getty Images)
Any masterplan to sell Casemiro could be short-lived though as The Mirror reported this weekend that the midfielder himself would like to stay at Old Trafford. It is claimed that the Brazilian has been informed by Carlo Ancelotti that he is in a better position to make his World Cup squad if he stays in Manchester this summer.
The midfielder made his return to the Brazil squad after a two-year absence this summer when he was recalled for the matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. Casemiro is thought to be under the impression that a move to Saudi Arabia would hinder his chances of making that World Cup squad.
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