Despite the European transfer window closing, Manchester United player has departed the club this summer.

Despite the closing of the European transfer window, rumors continue to swirl around the future of Manchester United’s star midfielder, Casemiro. Although most European clubs have completed their summer business, the Saudi Pro League’s transfer window remains open for another week, keeping the door ajar for a potential exit from Old Trafford.

Journalist Miguel Delaney has reported that Manchester United have held discussions about the possibility of selling Casemiro, with multiple Saudi Arabian clubs expressing strong interest. This has sparked speculation about whether Casemiro, one of United’s marquee players, could soon swap Manchester for the Middle East, joining the growing list of high-profile players moving to Saudi Arabia.

If this transfer materializes, it would represent a seismic shift for Manchester United, especially in light of recent departures. The club has already seen the exit of Scott McTominay, a long-serving midfielder, and Jadon Sancho, who left after a turbulent spell at the club. But Casemiro’s potential exit would be even more significant due to his stature, experience, and role as a key component of United’s midfield.

Casemiro, 32, currently stands as the highest-paid player at Manchester United, with a staggering weekly wage of £350,000. His arrival from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 was celebrated as a masterstroke by United’s hierarchy. His winning mentality, defensive acumen, and tactical intelligence were seen as exactly what the club needed to return to its glory days. Casemiro’s trophy-laden career at Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles, added to his allure, and he quickly became a fan favorite at Old Trafford.

His performances in his debut season lived up to the hype, with Casemiro playing a pivotal role in United’s midfield. He helped them secure a top-four finish and a return to the Champions League, not to mention his crucial contribution in their League Cup victory, the club’s first silverware in six years. Casemiro’s physical presence, leadership on the pitch, and knack for scoring important goals made him indispensable to Erik ten Hag’s side.

However, the start of the 2023/24 season has been a far cry from the commanding performances of last year. Casemiro, like many of his United teammates, has struggled in the early weeks of the campaign, culminating in a particularly dismal performance in the recent defeat to Liverpool. His slow reactions, lack of intensity, and poor positioning during the match drew widespread criticism from pundits and fans alike, raising questions about whether age might finally be catching up with the veteran midfielder.

At 32 years old, Casemiro is no longer the energetic box-to-box midfielder of his peak years. While his experience and footballing IQ remain invaluable, there are concerns that he may struggle to maintain his performance levels across a grueling Premier League season. This has led to increased speculation that Manchester United could be open to the idea of cashing in on the player while his market value is still high.

The Saudi Pro League has become a lucrative destination for players in the twilight of their careers, offering astronomical wages and the opportunity to extend their playing days in a less demanding environment. With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Neymar already plying their trade in Saudi Arabia, Casemiro could be tempted by the prospect of joining this growing footballing powerhouse.

For Manchester United, selling Casemiro would be a delicate decision. On one hand, his departure could free up significant wages and allow the club to reinvest in younger, more dynamic midfielders who can better fit Erik ten Hag’s high-intensity pressing system. United have already been linked with several promising midfield talents, and the funds from a Casemiro sale could accelerate their pursuit of a long-term replacement.

On the other hand, losing a player of Casemiro’s caliber and leadership could leave a void that would be difficult to fill in the short term. Manchester United have struggled with inconsistency in recent years, and part of the reason for bringing Casemiro to Old Trafford was to stabilize the midfield and inject a winning mentality into the dressing room. His influence off the pitch, especially with younger players like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, has been invaluable in fostering a culture of professionalism and hard work.

Casemiro’s potential departure would also mark the end of an era for United’s midfield. Following the sale of McTominay, the club is already facing a transitional period in that department, with Erik ten Hag experimenting with various combinations to find the right balance. The arrival of Mason Mount has added some creativity to the midfield, but Mount’s style is very different from Casemiro’s more defensive, combative role. Replacing Casemiro would require careful thought, as finding a player who can replicate his unique skill set is no easy task.

Furthermore, the timing of Casemiro’s potential exit raises challenges for Manchester United. With the European transfer window now closed, the club would not be able to sign a replacement until January at the earliest, leaving them short in midfield for several months. Ten Hag would have to rely on a combination of Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen, and perhaps even the inexperienced Kobbie Mainoo to fill the gap left by Casemiro.

As the Saudi transfer window approaches its deadline, all eyes are on Casemiro and Manchester United. The Brazilian midfielder has been tight-lipped about his future, but the growing interest from Saudi clubs and United’s openness to exploring the deal suggest that an exit is still very much on the table.

For Manchester United fans, losing a player like Casemiro would undoubtedly be a bitter pill to swallow, especially after just one season. His signing brought hope and excitement, and his influence on and off the pitch was immediately felt. However, football is a business, and sometimes tough decisions need to be made for the long-term benefit of the club.

If Casemiro does depart, it will be the end of a brief but impactful chapter at Manchester United, and the start of a new adventure in the ever-evolving Saudi Pro League. Whatever happens, Casemiro’s legacy as one of the world’s best midfielders is already secure, and his potential move could be another step in the growing trend of elite players heading to the Middle East for their final swansong.