Casemiro 'would welcome' January transfer to Saudi Arabia

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro "would welcome" a transfer to the Saudi Pro League during the January transfer window after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, a report has claimed.

Casemiro has often been linked with an Old Trafford exit over the past year. His United career has tended to be characterised by extremes, with heroic displays also mixed in with performances that demonstrate the Brazilian's best years are ultimately behind him.

The 32-year-old, perhaps the top defensive midfielder in the world during his Real Madrid pomp, started Monday night's Premier League defeat at home to Newcastle United. But that was his first domestic start in a month, having predominantly been an unused substitute under Ruben Amorim.

Brazilian publication UOL reports that Casemiro's situation at United would "accelerate the process" and that there are "no major obstacles" that would prevent an exit.

It is not yet known which club in Saudi Arabia he could join. The country's sovereign wealth fund, otherwise known as the Public Investment Fund (PIF), controls a number of clubs – Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli – and would have to decide where to place Casemiro.

Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq are owned by the government's Ministry of Sport, while Al Qadsiah are the domain of the state-owned Saudi Arabian Oil Company.

Every club is currently at the maximum number of overseas players permitted, which means departures would first have to facilitate new arrivals from abroad. Al Nassr might be the most obvious choice due to Casemiro's relationship with former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Casemiro is among the very highest earners at Manchester United, alongside the unsettled Marcus Rashford, which would also make a parting of ways financially beneficial during challenging times.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has divided opinion for ruthless cost-cutting that has largely affected everyday staff and supporters, rather than underperforming players, at the same time as engaging in wasteful spending firing Erik ten Hag, hiring Ruben Amorim, and hiring and firing Dan Ashworth.

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