Transfer Centre

Cristiano Ronaldo 'calls for Al-Nassr to sign Casemiro'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 21 January 2024

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo wants his club to sign Manchester United midfielder Casemiro this summer, according to a report.

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly pushing for his club to sign Manchester United midfielder Casemiro during this summer's transfer window.

Casemiro, 31, has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2026, with the option of an additional 12 months, but there is currently widespread speculation surrounding his future.

Injuries have restricted the Brazil captain to just 12 appearances this season, but he was back on the bench against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend after recovering from a hamstring issue.

Casemiro will stay at Man United this month despite suggestions that he could be on the move before the end of the January transfer window.

However, a summer exit is thought to be likely, with a recent report claiming that the 20-time English champions would be open to negotiating a pay-off.

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro on September 30, 2023 © Reuters

Casemiro is the highest earner at Old Trafford on £350,000 a week, and incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe allegedly believes that cutting ties with him would be best for the club this summer.

According to Foot Mercato, Ronaldo has spoken to senior figures at Al-Nassr to discuss moving for his former teammate this summer.

Ronaldo enjoyed huge success while operating alongside Casemiro at Real Madrid, while the pair were briefly teammates at Man United before the former's exit from the club.

The 38-year-old made the move to Al-Nassr on a free transfer in January 2023, and he has scored 38 goals and registered 13 assists in 44 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their third goal on May 23, 2023 © Reuters

Ronaldo has a contract with his current side until June 2025 but is believed to be open to an extension due to his happiness at the club.

Casemiro is expected to have offers from some major European clubs this summer if he leaves Man United, with Juventus and AC Milan both believed to be interested in his services.

However, the European heavyweights would not be able to compete financially with some Saudi Pro League clubs when it comes to a contract.

Casemiro has scored 11 goals and registered seven assists in 63 appearances for Man United since arriving at Old Trafford from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022.

The midfielder could make his first Red Devils appearance since the start of November in the team's FA Cup fourth-round contest with Newport County on January 28.