Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has revealed whether he wants to leave the club this summer or stay for the duration of his contract.
The former Real Madrid man made the starting lineup for the weekend's 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, but only because of Ruben Amorim's selection crisis.
When the Portuguese has been blessed with all of his midfield options being available, Casemiro has barely had a look-in; he was an unused substitute in five straight Premier League games before the weekend.
The 32-year-old has suffered a noticeable physical decline since a brilliant first season at the club in 2022-23, and he is now in the last 18 months of his deal at the Theatre of Dreams.
A move to Saudi Arabia has long been mooted for Casemiro, who was on the chopping block during the January transfer window, but no suitable offers arrived for the Brazil international.
Casemiro confirms desire to stay at Man United
© Imago
The upcoming summer transfer window - or January window in 2026 - represent Man United's final opportunities to recoup a small fee for Casemiro, unless the Red Devils activate his 12-month extension.
However, speaking to Spanish outlet AS - as quoted by Fabrizio Romano - the 32-year-old outlined his intention to stay at Man United for another year, as he and his family are settled in the city.
"I respect Man United and I'm very grateful," the midfielder said. "I have a year and a half left on my contract and I'd like to fulfil it here in Manchester. I'm comfortable here, I'm happy and so is my family. They've adapted, we speak English."
Casemiro developed a reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet during his time at Real Madrid, winning five Champions Leagues before being sold to Man United for £58.8m in 2022.
The South American has since registered 15 goals and nine assists in 108 appearances for the Red Devils, netting three times in 25 games across all tournaments during the current season.
Casemiro wants to stay, but who might leave Man United?
© Imago
During a successful first campaign at Man United under Erik ten Hag, Casemiro worked in tandem with Christian Eriksen, who has also seen his powers wane at Old Trafford in recent months.
The Denmark international's contract only runs until the end of the season and is not expected to be extended, meaning that his time at the club should also come to an end this summer.
Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are in the same boat, and it remains to be seen if veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton - who fills a home-grown spot - will pen an extension as well.
Harry Maguire did see his 12-month option activated recently, but bids should also be entertained for the £80m man, and the same goes for struggling strikers Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.
Man United's narrow loss to Spurs at the weekend left them in a lowly 15th place in the Premier League table, and Amorim's men are back in action away to Everton on Saturday lunchtime.
Ben Knapton
