Casemiro's desire to represent Brazil at the 2026 World Cup allegedly played a big role in the midfielder's decision to reject the chance to leave Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
The 33-year-old's future was again the subject of speculation during the recent market, with a number of Saudi Pro League clubs believed to be interested in his signature.
The Saudi transfer window does not close until September 23, meaning that clubs from the division can still make signings, and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are thought to be one of the leading contenders for Casemiro.
However, the midfielder recently confirmed that he is "very happy" at Man United and has no interest in leaving the Red Devils at this stage of his career.
"I am very happy here," he told reporters last month. "My family is happy here. I enjoy every day at Carrington and at Old Trafford. If people talk from the outside, that’s fine, it doesn’t interest me. I just want to focus on winning."
Manchester United's Casemiro pictured on January 26, 2025
Casemiro 'rejected chance' to join Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
According to GOAL, Casemiro believes that remaining with Man United will give him the best chance of securing a spot in the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The midfielder has been selected in his national team's squad for their 2026 World Cup qualification matches against Chile and Bolivia, with new Selecao manager Carlo Ancelotti turning to his former midfield enforcer at Real Madrid.
Casemiro has started all three of Man United's Premier League matches at the start of the new season, meanwhile, taking to the field for the first whistle against Arsenal, Fulham and Burnley.
The Brazilian has been paired with Bruno Fernandes in the middle of the Red Devils midfield, with Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte currently out of favour under head coach Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro on August 16, 2024
Is this Casemiro's last season at Man United?
Casemiro's contract at Man United is due to expire next summer, and it is likely that this will be his final season at Old Trafford, but there is a one-year option in his contract.
It is not impossible to imagine the Red Devils activating the extension to keep him at the club until June 2027, but that will only occur if Casemiro has a truly outstanding season, as Man United are keen to remove his wages from their budget.
The midfielder made the move to Man United from Real Madrid in August 2022, and he has represented the English giants on 128 occasions, scoring 17 goals and registering 12 assists in the process.
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