Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce are reportedly giving consideration to a shock move for Manchester United midfielder Casemiro in the summer transfer window.
The 32-year-old was an impressive force in the Red Devils' engine room during his first season at Old Trafford, where he formed a successful partnership with fellow arrival Christian Eriksen.
Casemiro's contributions were key to Man United finishing third in the Premier League and winning the EFL Cup, and he remained a mainstay of Erik ten Hag's side in 2023-24, collecting another domestic medal in the FA Cup.
The Brazil international registered five goals and three assists from 32 matches in the 2023-24 campaign, but there was a consensus that his form declined significantly, as he was upstaged by teenager Kobbie Mainoo in the second half of the season.
Casemiro would also be forced to step in as a makeshift centre-back in the second half of the season - a position where he drew even more criticism - and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is thought to want rid of the five-time Champions League winner.
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Fenerbahce chiefs 'assessing' feasibility of Casemiro deal
According to Turkish outlet Sporx, Fenerbahce chief Mario Branco has been assessing whether a deal for Casemiro is within their price range, and they will sit down with the Red Devils to discuss a deal if so.
While the Brazilian cost the Red Devils a total of £59.7m in the summer of 2022, Man United have accepted that they will not recoup a similar fee, even if he is still under contract until 2026 with a one-year option.
Fenerbahce will have to fend off interest from the Saudi Pro League if they want to lure Casemiro to Turkey, but there are a couple of incentives for the midfielder to continue his career in Europe.
Firstly, Fenerbahce will be competing in the second qualifying round of the 2024-25 Champions League thanks to their second-placed finish in the Turkish Super Lig, and Casemiro could also reunite with Mourinho.
The Portuguese was in charge of the Spanish giants when Casemiro joined their Castilla side from Sao Paulo on loan midway through the 2012-13 season, before his move was made permanent that same summer.
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Mourinho gave Casemiro his senior debut for Real Madrid, keeping him on for the full 90 in a 3-1 win over Real Betis in April 2013, shortly before he ended his three-year spell in charge.
Casemiro one of two Man Utd players eyed by Fenerbahce?
Should the South American lynchpin take up the opportunity to work with Mourinho again, he could be one of two Man United players to swap Old Trafford for Fenerbahce in the current window.
The Turkish powerhouses are also believed to be keen on signing Swedish centre-back Victor Lindelof, who only has 12 months left to run on his contract with Ten Hag's side and worked under Mourinho during his time in Manchester.
Even though Raphael Varane is already confirmed to be heading for the exit door, Ten Hag is supposedly open to letting Lindelof depart as well, in order to avoid the possibility of losing him for nothing next year.
Ben Knapton
