FABRIZIO ROMANO SAYS MANCHESTER UNITED STAR ‘IS KEEN’ ON BLOCKBUSTER EXIT, DEAL WOULD SOLVE INEOS PROBLEMS

Manchester United has much to try and accomplish in the transfer market this summer. A lot will be dependent on player sales.

Player sales are important to Manchester United this summer to try and maximise the club’s limited transfer budget.Exits are also crucial for another reason, to reduce the club’s heavy wage bill, which is thankfully set to lose the salaries of Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane on June 30.

One departure that ticks both boxes would be a potential exit for Casemiro, one of the club’s highest earners, who would also bring in a high fee.

Casemiro exit on the cards
Casemiro is two years into a four-year contract he signed at Manchester United after his move from Real Madrid in 2022.

His brilliant first season at Old Trafford was followed by a poor second campaign, which has left United open to cashing in.

He was not part of the squad for the FA Cup Final, due to injury, which further evidenced that the team can cope without him.

There have been questions over Casemiro’s potential exit. In recent days it was claimed there was interest from Bayern Munich, but this did not lead anywhere.

European journalist Christopher Michel this week claimed Casemiro’s potential move to the Saudi Pro League has recently fallen through. However, this has been denied.

Casemiro to Saudi still in play
Fabrizio Romano was asked this week about Casemiro’s move to Saudi Arabia, and insists a move is still in play.

Speaking to The United Stand on YouTube, Romano says Casemiro is ready to move if his demands are met.

He explained: “No it’s not true from what I’m hearing [that the deal is off]. Casemiro is keen on joining Saudi, but it has to be on his conditions.

“He’s asking for his own contract, the conversation is still ongoing there, from what I’m hearing.

“It’s never so easy with Saudi, they are waiting to hear how much budget they will have for the summer deals. Casemiro will accept as soon as he decides these are the right conditions for the move.”

The second aspect relates to Manchester United’s demands in terms of a fee.

United In Focus has been told that United would like to recoup the £60 million fee paid for the Brazilian.

This would be ideal if possible, strengthening the team’s transfer budget substantially, while also creating wage space.

The Guardian reported last year that Sir Jim Ratcliffe questioned United’s deal for Casemiro during his initial takeover talks.

Selling the Brazilian would mean a replacement is required, but it can be a player of Ineos‘ choosing, within the constraints of a deal they are comfortable with.Manchester United’s summer transfer strategy heavily relies on player sales to maximize their limited budget and reduce the wage bill. The potential departure of Casemiro stands out as a significant opportunity to address both needs, given his high salary and the potential to fetch a substantial transfer fee.

**Current Situation:**
– **Contract and Performance:** Casemiro is halfway through a four-year contract signed in 2022. His impressive first season was followed by a less impactful second campaign, making the club more open to selling him.
– **Recent Developments:** Despite initial interest from Bayern Munich not materializing, and rumors of a Saudi Pro League move falling through, Fabrizio Romano has stated that Casemiro is still considering a move to Saudi Arabia if his conditions are met.
– **Club’s Demands:** Manchester United aims to recoup the £60 million they paid for Casemiro, which would significantly boost their transfer budget and free up considerable wage space.

**Implications of Casemiro’s Exit:**
1. **Financial Boost:** Selling Casemiro would provide a substantial influx of funds and reduce the wage bill, enabling the club to reinvest in new signings.
2. **Squad Adjustment:** While his exit would necessitate finding a suitable replacement, it offers an opportunity to align new acquisitions with the preferences and strategies of potential new ownership under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Overall, Casemiro’s potential move to Saudi Arabia remains in play, contingent on meeting his and the club’s financial terms. If completed, this transfer could play a pivotal role in shaping Manchester United’s summer activities and squad restructuring.