Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro of Real Madrid poses with the UEFA Super Cup trophy after the game. Manchester United announced on Friday that they have agreed to sign Casemiro of Real Madrid in a deal that could be worth up to £60 million ($70 million).
After failing to sign Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, United manager Erik ten Hag finally settled on Casemiro. Since taking over at Old Trafford, ten Hag has been desperate to sign a defensive midfielder.
The first £50 million will be paid by troubled United, who are currently last in the Premier League after humbling losses to Brentford and Brighton.
If certain contract requirements are satisfied, the overall fee would increase by an additional £10 million.
A four-year contract with an additional 12-month extension option has been made available to Casemiro, with the transfer being contingent on the negotiation of personal conditions.
The 30-year-old joined Real from Sao Paulo in 2013 and has since played an important role in the Spanish team’s midfield, helping them win five Champions League championships.
In a statement, Manchester United said it was “delighted to announce that the club has reached agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of Casemiro.”
The transfer is contingent upon meeting the personal terms, UK visa requirements, and medical standards.
At his press conference earlier on Friday, Ten Hag declined to address the trade, although Real manager Carlo Ancelotti was more forthcoming when speaking to the media in Spain.
“I spoke with him about it this morning. He desires to take on a novel challenge or chance, according to Ancelotti.
“The club is aware of it. We must respect what he has accomplished for this club and who he is as a person.
“If he leaves, we’ll be incredibly grateful to him for everything he’s done. Within the squad, we have replacements.
The club’s president, Florentino Perez, will attend a “tribute and farewell” to Casemiro on Monday, according to Real Madrid.
He was referred to as “one of the most transcendental players in one of the most crucial and successful periods in our history” by the Spanish giants in a statement.
The statement continued, “Real Madrid are and will always be his home, and we wish him and all of his family the best of luck in this new chapter of his life.
In the Spanish capital, Casemiro competed against current United talents Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
His entry will fill a gap left by Ten Hag’s extended pursuit of De Jong, which was unsuccessful.
Casemiro will undoubtedly start in central midfield instead of Scott McTominay or Fred due to his plethora of experience and success at the top level.
He is unlikely to be available for United’s upcoming game at Old Trafford against archrival Liverpool on Monday.
Instead, Casemiro’s Premier League debut might occur on August 27 against Southampton.
