Casemiro to Jeddah: A Risky Bet for Al-Ittihad, and a Bigger One for United
This whole Casemiro to Al-Ittihad talk? It’s got layers. ESPN sources are saying the Saudi club wants him, potentially on a free transfer next summer. But there’s a catch: it apparently hinges on what happens with Fabinho, who’s already there and hasn’t exactly set the Roshn Saudi League on fire since his €46 million move from Liverpool last August. Fabinho, by the way, has only played 18 league games this season, battling injuries and inconsistent form.
The Casemiro Conundrum
Let's be real about Casemiro. When Manchester United paid Real Madrid £60 million for him in August 2022, everyone thought it was a masterstroke. He delivered in year one, no doubt. Remember that League Cup final goal against Newcastle in February 2023? Crucial. He anchored United's midfield, providing a steeliness they desperately lacked. He finished that season with 4 goals and 3 assists in 28 Premier League appearances, a decent return for a defensive midfielder.
But this season? A different story. Casemiro's struggled with injuries, missing 17 games across all competitions. When he has played, the intensity hasn't always been there. He looked slow, often caught out of position, especially in those early Champions League group stage matches where United shipped goals for fun – like the 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in September. His passing accuracy, usually north of 85%, dipped below 80% in several key matches this term. He's still a big name, sure. But at 32, with a hefty wage packet and a body that's seen a lot of miles, is he truly the answer for Al-Ittihad, even if he comes on a free? I'm not so sure. They’re already paying Fabinho a fortune.
United's Midfield Mess
Here's the thing: if United can offload Casemiro, even on a free, it frees up significant wages. His contract, signed through June 2026, is reportedly worth around £350,000 a week. That's a huge chunk of change that could be reinvested. United's midfield needs a serious overhaul regardless. Sofyan Amrabat, on loan from Fiorentina, has been largely unconvincing, making only 14 Premier League starts. Christian Eriksen is clearly past his prime, and Scott McTominay, despite his knack for crucial goals (7 in the league this season), isn't a long-term solution as a deep-lying midfielder.
Selling Casemiro, even for zero transfer fee, would be a blessing in disguise for United. It clears the decks. It allows them to pursue younger, more athletic options who fit Erik ten Hag's (or whoever's) system better. The club has spent fortunes on midfielders in recent years – Fred for £52 million, Donny van de Beek for £35 million, the list goes on. Most haven't worked out. This isn't about getting a fee; it's about shedding a massive salary and creating space.
Fabinho's Shadow
The whole "depends on Fabinho" angle is fascinating. Fabinho was a beast for Liverpool, a true destroyer. But in Jeddah, he hasn't replicated that form. If Al-Ittihad sees Casemiro as an upgrade or a replacement for a struggling Fabinho, they might be making a lateral move at best. They won the Saudi Pro League last season, but this year they’re chasing Al-Hilal, who are running away with it. Al-Ittihad currently sits fifth in the table, 30 points behind the leaders. Adding another aging, high-earning midfielder who’s showing signs of decline isn't a guaranteed fix.
My bold prediction? This deal, if it happens, will be more beneficial for Manchester United than for Al-Ittihad. United get rid of a problem; Al-Ittihad inherits one, albeit a more decorated one.