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Well the 2023/24 season is over, and the summer transfer window is just around the corner and as such we’re seeing some big name players linked to new clubs before the new season start.
Saudi Arabia has recently become a big driver in the transfer market, with many high profile players moving to the country in search of play time.
Al-Nassr began this wave of movement with the mega-signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2023, kicking off more big names joining him with the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and Neymar now playing in the Saudi Pro League.
Recently news has broken about the latest players linked to the Saudi league, with WinWin announcing the interest of both Al-Ahli Saudi FC and Al-Ettifaq FC in Donny van de Beek.
Now the newest name who could be joining his teammate in Saudi Arabia is Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.
Having joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in 2022 for €70.65 million, Casemiro has been a key player at Old Trafford, only missing out on games from injury.
With 83 appearances across all competitions, managing to score twelve goals and set up his team mates on nine occasions, the Brazilian has been a true asset to the United squad.
His versatility has been called up by Erik ten Hag over the recent season with the defensive midfielder having to regularly cover positions in defence thanks to the extent of injuries experienced by the United back line.
It’s no surprise then that other teams are now interested in signing the 32-year-old with interest from three different Saudi Arabian sides.
Reports from Goal have announced that Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Qasidiya are all intereted, with the latter two being the most keen of the three to get his signature.
The report continues to highlight the main reason that Al-Nassr are less interested than Al-Ahli and Al-Qasidiya is down to Casemiro’s price tag.
Manchester United are reported to be valuing the Brazilian at $30 million, which at the moment is providing to be an issue to the Saudi Clubs.
However if Al-Nassr did decide to negotiate a deal, it would see the second reunion of a Casemiro and Cristiano Ronaldo partnership having first linked up at Real Madrid before playing together again at United.
With the new ‘Ratcliffe era’ at United beginning at United, a large reshuffle of players and staff is expected, and with Casemiro being the highest-paid player on the books at $350,000 per week, United may look to strike a deal with one of the Saudi sides if an official offer is made.
