Manchester United’s hopes of completing a deal for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte have suffered a blow due to a reported struggle to offload Casemiro. The Brazilian was widely expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, but he holds the power to force a stay by demanding a significant pay-off.
United splashed £70million to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid in 2022, tying him down to a four-year contract that runs until 2026, with the option of a further 12 months.
The five-time Champions League winner helped guide Erik ten Hag to a successful maiden season in charge but displayed a startling decline last term.
INEOS are believed to have included him in a planned summer clearout as they attempt to raise funds to stay in line with Financial Fair Play and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
But a strongly-tipped switch to Saudi Arabia hasn’t yet accelerated, allowing doubts over whether United will manage to offload Casemiro to creep in.
According to The Sun, Al Nassr were among the clubs to have shown interest in Casemiro, but there have been no official bids thus far.
United are keen to offload his £290,000-a-week wages from the books and are said to be demanding around £30m to part ways.
The Red Devils have reportedly informed Casemiro that he can go, but not for a cut-price fee, and a meeting between Erik ten Hag and the 32-year-old’s representatives is scheduled for this coming week.
The report adds that Casemiro won’t accept a reduced pay-off to leave Old Trafford if he doesn’t want to, which could force United to cough up as much as £25m to cut him loose.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is unlikely to sanction such a move, considering the summer budget is already limited by financial constraints.
Harry Maguire’s £30m transfer to West Ham United fell through last summer due to United’s reluctance to hand him a £12m pay-off.
Such a demand from Casemiro would rule out a swoop for Ugarte or any other new midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo in the coming months.
United are only expected to target fresh blood in the engine room if Casemiro departs.
But even if he gets what he reportedly wants in terms of compensation on his way out, the M16 giants’ budget would have taken a severe hit.
They also want to sign two centre-backs and a new striker this summer as Erik ten Hag freshens up his squad for the third season of his reign.
