The future of Casemiro at Manchester United remains uncertain, with reports suggesting the Brazilian midfielder could be on his way out of Old Trafford before the end of the month. According to Bolavip, United are open to loaning the 31-year-old to Flamengo, with the club even willing to subsidise a significant portion of his wages to facilitate the move. However, despite the player’s apparent willingness to return to his homeland and Flamengo’s interest, the deal is far from straightforward due to financial complexities.
A Fall from Grace at Old Trafford
Casemiro’s decline at Manchester United has been one of the more surprising stories of the season. Once hailed as a transformative signing following his £70 million move from Real Madrid in 2022, the Brazilian has seen his influence wane dramatically under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager has relegated Casemiro to the bench for nine of United’s last 11 Premier League games, with the midfielder often failing to make it onto the pitch even as a substitute.
Amorim’s preference for younger, more dynamic options like Toby Collyer has made it clear that Casemiro is no longer part of his plans. The five-time Champions League winner, who was once considered one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, now finds himself surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. With United keen to reduce their wage bill and free up space in the squad, a move away seems inevitable.
Flamengo’s Interest and Financial Hurdles
Flamengo, one of Brazil’s most prestigious clubs, have emerged as a potential destination for Casemiro. The Rio de Janeiro-based side are reportedly keen to bring the midfielder back to his homeland, where he began his career with São Paulo before moving to Europe in 2013. According to Bolavip, Flamengo manager Filipe Luis has given his approval for the move, and the club have already made contact with Casemiro’s representatives.
However, the financial aspect of the deal remains a significant stumbling block. Casemiro’s current wages at United are reported to be in the region of £350,000 per week, a figure that is far beyond Flamengo’s reach. While United are said to be willing to subsidise a portion of his salary reportedly around £350,000 per month the Brazilian club still considers the deal “very risky” due to the remaining financial burden.
“Even if United agrees to help with most of the salary, it would still be a very high amount to be paid,” the report states. This highlights the challenges of moving on high-earning players, a recurring issue for United in recent years.
A Familiar Problem for United
The situation with Casemiro is emblematic of a broader issue at Manchester United: the club’s inability to offload high-earning players who are no longer part of the first-team plans. The likes of Alexis Sánchez, Phil Jones, and David de Gea have all left the club in recent years, but not without significant financial concessions from United. Casemiro’s case is no different, and it underscores the need for the club to adopt a more sustainable wage structure in the future.
For now, United’s priority is to find a solution that works for all parties. While a loan move to Flamengo appears to be the most likely option, other possibilities cannot be ruled out. With transfer windows still open in certain regions, there is every chance that Casemiro could secure a move elsewhere if the Flamengo deal falls through.
What’s Next for Casemiro?
For Casemiro, a return to Brazil would mark the end of a glittering European career that saw him win countless trophies with Real Madrid and establish himself as one of the best midfielders of his generation. However, at 31, he still has plenty to offer, and a move to Flamengo could provide him with the opportunity to rediscover his best form in a less demanding environment.
From United’s perspective, offloading Casemiro would free up valuable resources and allow Amorim to continue reshaping the squad in his image. The emergence of young talents like Toby Collyer suggests that the club is already planning for life without the Brazilian, and his departure would accelerate that transition.
A Waiting Game
As things stand, the deal remains in limbo. Flamengo’s financial constraints and United’s willingness to compromise will ultimately determine whether the move goes ahead. For now, United fans will have to wait and see if Casemiro’s time at Old Trafford is truly coming to an end or if he will remain at the club until a more viable solution can be found.
One thing is certain: Casemiro’s departure, whenever it happens, will mark the end of an era for Manchester United. While his time at the club may not have ended as many had hoped, his contributions during his first season should not be forgotten. As the club looks to the future, the focus will be on building a squad capable of competing at the highest level and that process may well begin with saying goodbye to one of their highest earners.
