Al-Nassr has been searching for answers to its defensive woes, and the club’s sights appear set on Casemiro. The Saudi Pro League side already features Cristiano Ronaldo, whose influence in the region has only grown since his arrival.
Now rumors suggest that Al-Nassr wants Casemiro, the defensive midfielder from Manchester United, to solidify its bid for top honors. His reputation as one of the world’s best ball-winners didn’t waver after he left Real Madrid, though his current stint at Old Trafford has been marked by fewer starts than expected. The shift in managerial direction under Ruben Amorim has put several big names on the possible exit list, and Casemiro may be one of them.
Al-Nassr is reportedly ready to offer around $32 million for his transfer, and there’s talk of a weekly wage that could climb past $800,000. That kind of proposal might be hard to turn down, especially if the midfielder’s playing time at Manchester United dwindles. The move depends on whether the Saudi side completes the sale of Anderson Talisca. The Brazilian forward is a key figure in the club’s finances, and his departure would likely open the financial and roster spots door for Casemiro’s arrival.
Ronaldo’s presence in Saudi Arabia has shifted the region’s soccer landscape. Several high-profile names have followed him to the Gulf, turning a once-overlooked league into a destination for experienced stars. Casemiro’s arrival would extend that pattern.
Their bond from years at Real Madrid, though temporarily rekindled in Manchester, never truly took flight due to Ronaldo’s abrupt departure. If Al-Nassr successfully secured this midfield enforcer, the two players could finally tap into the chemistry that earned them countless trophies in Spain.
A potential reunion with Ronaldo
Manchester United, meanwhile, appears ready for a rebuild. Fans expected Casemiro to become a cornerstone in their midfield, and to some extent, he fulfilled that role last season. Yet changes at the club have been swift. Amorim is believed to favor younger prospects like Kobbie Mainoo and other potential signings. It’s a scenario that puts older, high-earning veterans on notice. Club officials are rumored to be open to letting go of players like Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, and Victor Lindelof as well. A transfer for Casemiro would free up salary space and help usher in the next phase at Old Trafford.
For Al-Nassr, the chance to sign a proven midfielder capable of screening a back line filled with new arrivals could be game-changing. The team has struggled to bridge the gap between its star-studded lineup and the consistent form displayed by league rivals.
Even with defenders like Aymeric Laporte and Mohamed Simakan, lapses in concentration have been costly. Adding a relentless ball-winner in front of them could help reduce those errors and let the attacking players focus on outscoring the league’s giants. If the move falls into place, Casemiro would join the ranks of the best-paid players in global soccer, and Al-Nassr would flaunt yet another marquee name in its quest to top the table.
