‘Man United Want to Agree Casemiro Deal’ Amid £500,000-a-Week Claim
Manchester United are reportedly keen to reach a resolution regarding the future of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, as fresh claims emerge about his massive £500,000-a-week wage. The former Real Madrid star, who joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2022, has seen his role come under increasing scrutiny after a season plagued by inconsistent form, injuries, and questions about his long-term fit under Erik ten Hag.
As the club prepares for a pivotal summer rebuild, Casemiro’s future has become a central talking point. According to various reports and football insiders, United are actively exploring options to either renegotiate his current terms or find a transfer solution that suits all parties. The £500k-per-week figure — one of the highest in the squad — is seen as unsustainable for a player who is no longer guaranteed a starting place.
A Transfer That Once Promised Stability
When Manchester United signed Casemiro for a fee reported to be around £60 million, eyebrows were raised. He was 30 at the time, and despite his impressive trophy haul at Real Madrid — including five Champions League titles — some questioned the wisdom of committing such a large fee and wages to a player in the latter stage of his career.
However, Casemiro quickly won over the Old Trafford faithful. His debut season was exceptional by most accounts. He added steel, intelligence, and leadership to a midfield that had lacked those qualities for years. With his tough tackling, aerial presence, and ability to read the game, Casemiro became the heartbeat of Ten Hag’s midfield and played a key role in United finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup.
But football is a fast-moving sport, and fortunes can change quickly — especially when wages hit the half-a-million-a-week mark.
A Difficult Second Season
The 2023–24 campaign painted a very different picture for the Brazilian. Injuries disrupted his rhythm early on, and even when fit, Casemiro struggled to keep up with the pace of games. His lack of mobility was frequently exposed, especially in transitions, as United’s midfield often found itself overrun against younger, more dynamic opposition.
Compounding matters was the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, the teenage midfield prodigy who has taken the Premier League by storm. Mainoo’s composure, vision, and energy made him undroppable, and the midfield pecking order began to shift. Pairing Casemiro with Mainoo didn’t always work either — the lack of balance left United vulnerable.
Statistically, Casemiro’s impact has dipped. He’s made fewer tackles and interceptions, and his passing has become more conservative. His red card record also raised eyebrows, with several needless bookings and suspensions disrupting the flow of United’s campaign.
The Wages Problem
Casemiro’s reported £500,000-a-week wage, once seen as justifiable for a Galáctico-calibre player, now presents a problem. In the era of Financial Fair Play (FFP) and tighter wage structures under the Glazer regime and incoming investors, United can ill-afford to keep such high earners unless they are consistent, elite performers.
The club has reportedly started to restructure its wage model, placing a stronger emphasis on performance-based incentives and youth development. With Casemiro’s contract running until 2026 (with an optional extension year), United must act now if they want to avoid being saddled with a high-cost, declining asset.
Sources close to the club suggest that while United “want to agree” on a solution with Casemiro, they are open to different outcomes: including a reduced salary, a transfer abroad (possibly to Saudi Arabia), or even a mutual termination if no buyers can be found.
Saudi Interest Looming?
Casemiro has already been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, where clubs are continuing their aggressive recruitment of experienced European stars. His former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo has helped pave the way for others, and the financial packages on offer could match — or even surpass — his current £500k weekly wage.
For United, a Saudi transfer would be ideal from a financial perspective. It would free up a huge amount of the wage budget and potentially bring in a transfer fee for a player they know they’ll need to move on eventually. However, Casemiro and his camp are reportedly undecided. While money would not be an issue, the player has always valued competitiveness, and might be reluctant to step away from top-level European football so soon.
Ten Hag’s Say in the Matter
Manager Erik ten Hag has often praised Casemiro’s leadership and experience. At times, he’s even defended the Brazilian’s performances, suggesting that criticism has been harsh considering the injuries and overall inconsistency across the squad.
However, even Ten Hag has shown signs of evolving the team without Casemiro at the core. In games where a quicker, more agile midfield is needed, the Dutchman has opted for Sofyan Amrabat or Scott McTominay alongside Mainoo. If United are to implement a more modern, pressing-based system, Casemiro’s role may become even more limited.
Ten Hag’s potential involvement in the final decision will be key. If he sees Casemiro as a valuable squad option and a mentor to young players, the club may try to negotiate a wage cut rather than a full exit. But if he believes it’s time to move on, United will prioritize finding a buyer in the upcoming window.
Fans Divided
The fanbase is split over Casemiro’s future. Some still view him as a vital leader in the dressing room — someone who sets standards and brings a winning mentality. Others see a player on the decline, whose large salary could be better spent on younger, hungrier talent.
Social media reflects this division. One fan posted, “Casemiro gave us everything in his first year. But the game is moving too fast for him now — time to say goodbye.” Another wrote, “Why would you force out one of our only winners? He needs help around him, not replacement.”
What Happens Next?
The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one of United’s most important in years. With Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe now taking control of football operations, there’s a greater emphasis on smarter recruitment, sustainable wage structures, and long-term planning.
Casemiro, for all his pedigree and past glory, now represents a turning point. Does United double down on experience, or pivot fully toward a younger, more energetic squad? A lot will depend on interest from other clubs and Casemiro’s own openness to change.
It’s likely United will explore every option: from loans with subsidized wages to straight sales. If no buyers materialize, a buyout or mutual contract termination — similar to the one Cristiano Ronaldo agreed to — could be considered.
Conclusion: A Deal That Must Be Done
“Manchester United want to agree Casemiro deal” — this headline doesn’t just speak to one player’s future. It represents a club at the crossroads of old habits and new ambitions.
Casemiro has brought quality, leadership, and a winning edge to Old Trafford. But football is merciless. With a £500,000-a-week wage on the books and a squad in need of evolution, United must act decisively. Whether it’s a sale, a new contract structure, or a farewell handshake, a resolution must come soon.
In the modern game, sentiment can’t outweigh sustainability. And for Manchester United, solving the C
asemiro conundrum could unlock the next phase of their rebuild.
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