While the January transfer window may have closed for most of Europe, the possibility of outgoings at Manchester United remains very much alive. With several leagues still open for business, the Red Devils are actively exploring opportunities to offload players who no longer feature in Ruben Amorim’s plans. At the top of that list is Casemiro, the Brazilian midfielder whose decline at Old Trafford has been as rapid as his rise. Reports now suggest that Flamengo, one of Brazil’s most storied clubs, have entered the race to secure his services on loan.
A Fall from Grace
Casemiro’s time at Manchester United has reached a crossroads. Once hailed as a transformative signing following his £70 million move from Real Madrid in 2022, the five-time Champions League winner has seen his influence wane dramatically under Amorim. The Portuguese manager has made it abundantly clear that Casemiro does not fit into his vision for the club, with the Brazilian’s lack of mobility and physicality at odds with the high-energy, pressing style Amorim demands.
The emergence of young talent Toby Collyer has further pushed Casemiro down the pecking order, leaving the 31-year-old as a peripheral figure at Old Trafford. Despite his pedigree, Casemiro has been reduced to a bit-part role, and United are now desperate to move him on to avoid further depreciation of his value.
Flamengo Enter the Fray
With a move to Saudi Arabia failing to materialise in January, Casemiro’s options appeared limited. However, Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola has revealed that Flamengo have expressed interest in signing the midfielder on loan. The Rio de Janeiro-based club, managed by former Chelsea and Atlético Madrid defender Filipe Luís, are reportedly keen to bring Casemiro back to his homeland, where he began his career with São Paulo before moving to Europe in 2013.
According to Nicola, United are willing to subsidise a significant portion of Casemiro’s wages to facilitate the move. “I can assure you that Flamengo investigated the player’s situation in the last few days,” Nicola said. “The English club agree to loan him and help with part of his salary. Filipe Luís would love to count on Casemiro.”
However, the deal is far from straightforward. Flamengo’s wage structure is a far cry from United’s, and even with the Red Devils covering a majority of Casemiro’s salary, the financial burden remains substantial. “Flamengo understand that, given all the figures, it is a very risky business,” Nicola added. “Even though United are willing to help with most of the salary, there would still be a very high amount to be paid.”
A Win-Win for United?
For United, the priority is clear: offload Casemiro at all costs. The Brazilian’s £350,000-a-week wages are a significant drain on the club’s resources, and his continued presence in the squad serves no purpose given Amorim’s reluctance to use him. By loaning him out, United would not only save a portion of his salary but also give Casemiro the opportunity to rebuild his reputation and potentially attract suitors in the summer.
The alternative—keeping Casemiro on the books without playing him—would only further diminish his market value. As such, United are prepared to go the extra mile to make the deal happen, even if it means shouldering the bulk of his wages for the remainder of the season.
A Return to Brazil?
For Casemiro, a move to Flamengo would mark a homecoming of sorts. The midfielder has not played in Brazil since leaving São Paulo over a decade ago, and the opportunity to return to his roots could be an appealing prospect. Flamengo, one of South America’s most successful clubs, would offer him the chance to compete for silverware and play in front of passionate fans at the iconic Maracanã Stadium.
However, the move would also represent a significant step down in terms of prestige and competition. Casemiro has spent the majority of his career at the pinnacle of European football, and a return to Brazil would signal the beginning of the twilight phase of his career. Whether he is willing to make that sacrifice remains to be seen.
What’s Next?
As the Brazilian transfer window remains open until February 28, there is still time for Flamengo and United to finalise a deal. For Casemiro, the coming weeks could determine the next chapter of his career. A move to Flamengo would offer him a chance to rediscover his best form and potentially reignite his career, while United would benefit from removing a high-earning player from their wage bill.
For now, the situation remains in flux. But one thing is certain: Casemiro’s time at Manchester United is drawing to a close. Whether he ends up in Brazil, Saudi Arabia, or elsewhere, his departure will mark the end of an era—and the beginning of a new one for both the player and the club.
