Manchester United midfielder Casemiro could be on the verge of a surprise move to Turkey’s Super Lig before the country’s winter transfer window closes on Tuesday. The 32-year-old Brazilian, who has fallen out of favour under head coach Ruben Amorim, has been heavily linked with a January exit, and Besiktas have now emerged as a potential destination. With the Turkish transfer window still open, the possibility of a late deal remains alive, but significant hurdles must be overcome for the move to materialise.
Casemiro’s Decline at Old Trafford
Once hailed as a transformative signing following his £70 million move from Real Madrid in 2022, Casemiro’s influence at Manchester United has waned dramatically this season. The five-time Champions League winner has made 24 appearances across all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign, but his performances have been a shadow of the commanding displays that initially endeared him to the Old Trafford faithful.
Amorim’s arrival as United’s new head coach has further marginalised Casemiro, with the Portuguese manager favouring a more dynamic and energetic midfield setup. The Brazilian has not featured in the Premier League since the end of December, relegated to the bench for United’s last five league games. His only involvement in recent weeks came as a late substitute in the FA Cup clash against Leicester City, where he was given just one minute of action—a clear indication of his diminished role.
Amorim’s Verdict on Casemiro
Amorim has been candid about his decision to sideline Casemiro, emphasising the need for players who fit his tactical vision. Speaking after United’s Europa League match against Rangers, the manager explained, “He has to have the characteristics, and then I have to choose the player with the characteristics on how I see the game. It is just like that, and I have to make some choices. I want to play a game that is sometimes different from other coaches, and I have to choose based on that. That’s all.”
These comments underscore the growing disconnect between Casemiro’s skill set and Amorim’s preferred style of play. With the Brazilian no longer seen as a key figure in the manager’s plans, a January exit has seemed increasingly likely.
Besiktas Enter the Fray
While interest from the Saudi Pro League failed to materialise into a concrete offer before their transfer window closed, Besiktas have now emerged as a potential suitor. The Turkish giants, recently managed by former United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, are reportedly keen to bolster their midfield with a player of Casemiro’s experience and pedigree.
For Casemiro, a move to Besiktas could offer a fresh challenge and the opportunity to reignite his career. At 32, the Brazilian is entering the twilight years of his playing days, and the chance to become a regular starter in a new league may appeal to him. However, financial considerations could prove to be a stumbling block. Casemiro is currently United’s highest earner, collecting £350,000 a week—a figure Besiktas would struggle to match. While the Turkish club could offer substantial wages by their standards, it would still represent a significant pay cut for the midfielder.
The Likelihood of a Move
Despite the allure of regular playing time, a move to Besiktas is far from straightforward. Casemiro’s contract at Old Trafford runs until 2026, and United are keen to offload him to free up his hefty wages and create space in the squad. However, the Brazilian is believed to be content to stay at the club until the end of the season, potentially complicating any late transfer negotiations.
For a deal to happen before Tuesday’s deadline, Besiktas would need to agree on terms with both United and Casemiro—a challenging task given the limited time frame. While the Turkish club may be willing to offer a loan deal with an option to buy, United are likely to push for a permanent transfer to avoid further financial strain.
A Pivotal Moment for Casemiro
For Casemiro, the coming days could determine the next chapter of his illustrious career. A move to Besiktas would represent a significant shift, taking him away from the elite European stage he has graced for over a decade. However, it could also provide him with the platform to rediscover his best form and extend his playing career at a competitive level.
For United, offloading Casemiro would mark the end of an era. While his early contributions were invaluable, his decline has highlighted the need for a midfield overhaul. With Amorim keen to build a squad in his image, the departure of high-earning, underperforming players like Casemiro is a necessary step in the club’s ongoing transformation.
The Bigger Picture
As the Turkish transfer window draws to a close, the focus will be on whether Besiktas can pull off a late coup. For Casemiro, the move represents a chance to reignite his career and embrace a new challenge. For United, it is an opportunity to streamline their squad and pave the way for a new generation of midfield talent.
Whether the deal materialises or not, one thing is clear: Casemiro’s time at Old Trafford is drawing to a close. As the club looks to the future, the Brazilian’s departure will mark the end of a significant chapter—and the beginning of a new era under Ruben Amorim.
