Cristiano Ronaldo could reunite with one of his former teammates as he is reportedly pushing for Al-Nassr to sign his former teammate from Manchester United.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly urged Al-Nassr bring in his former Manchester United teammate, Casemiro as the midfielder edges closer to an Old Trafford exit. After a promising start to life in England, the last 18 months have been challenging for the Brazilian. The 32-year-old has struggled with form and fitness, raising doubts about his future at the club.
According to The Telegraph, Al-Nassr is currently the most likely destination for Casemiro. A move to the Riyadh-based club would see him reunite with former Real Madrid and Man Utd teammate Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar is said to be keen on the deal himself.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazilian, 32, has faced heavy criticism in recent months due to his struggles in maintaining the level that he has shown in the past.
Since Ruben Amorim took charge at Old Trafford, Casemiro has found it difficult to get regular playing time. In addition to missing Manchester United’s last three league games, he was benched during their 2-1 victory against Rangers in the Europa League. The club has reportedly approved his potential departure, as he is not part of the manager’s long-term plans. According to reports, Manchester United have set a £30 million ($37.4m) asking price for the midfielder.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has ‘told’ Al-Nassr’s hierarchy to sign Casemiro in the winter transfer window. Ronaldo’s request is aimed towards strengthening Al-Nassr’s squad and preventing Stefano Pioli’s side from further faltering in the Saudi Pro League title race.
As per the report, Ronaldo belives that signing one of the most decorated midfielders in European football would further raise the Saudi Pro League’s profile. These rumors have led some Man Utd fans online to believe that Ronaldo “still loves the club,” as Casemiro’s exit would free up a whooping £350,000 per week from United’s wage bill.
Casemiro is still under contract with the Red Devils until 2026. However, with his role diminished at the club, his time at the club looks set to come to an end either this month or in the summer.
OTHER INTERESTED CLUBS
According to The Daily Mail, other Saudi Pro League clubs, including Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadisiyah, are also reportedly interested in signing Casemiro who still has 18 months left on his contract at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s own future at Al-Nassr remains uncertain. His lucrative £175m-per-year contract with the Saudi club expires in the summer, and a report from MARCA has linked the 39-year-old with a potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS).
Ronaldo and Casemiro have been team-mates at Real Madrid and Manchester United. They won multiple titles with Los Blancos but their reunion at Manchester United failed to bring major silverware. The two superstars have played together 122 times. Ronaldo stormed out of the club following a falling out with Erik ten Hag, but Casemiro remains at Old Trafford, despite dropping out of the side and becoming a fringe player in the last 18 months.
The Saudi Pro League transfer window closes at midnight on January 30 and as such, Al-Nassr will have just a few time left to finalize a deal with both Manchester United and Casemiro.
Leave a Reply