Man United consider extending star's mega-money contract despite summer links to the Saudi Pro League
Two Manchester United players were heavily linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League in the summer transfer window.
Ruben Amorim is starting to find some momentum at Manchester United, with his side winning two of their last three games in the Premier League. The United boss is preparing for a tough trip to Anfield to play against Liverpool at the weekend, coming out of the international break.
He has found a somewhat consistent starting XI, with the midfield being a big talking point for Amorim. For the most part, he has been playing Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro together in a pairing behind the likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, who’ve been playing in a more attacking role.
Both Fernandes and Casemiro were linked with moves to the Saudi Pro League in the summer, and their contracts are both due to expire within the next two years at Old Trafford, making their future at United uncertain moving forward.
Man Utd considering Casemiro contract extension
Casemiro’s current contract at United is expected to expire in June; however, there is a one-year option attached to his deal that the club could trigger should they decide they want to keep the 33-year-old.
The Brazilian has been at Old Trafford since August 2022, when he joined from Real Madrid for a hefty fee of £61.5m. He’s made 131 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 18 goals, and providing 12 assists. Casemiro has certainly declined slightly in the last couple of years, and so many believed that the Brazilian would leave when his mega-monay contract expires.
However, according to a report by the Daily Mail, Man United are considering extending Casemiro’s contract by one year as they still view him as a valuable midfield option for Ruben Amorim.
But the 33-year-old is on a hefty wage of £375,000 per week, and it is understood that United would only extend his contract if he were to take a wage cut, as the club wants to reduce their overall wage bill moving forward.
What has Casemiro said about his future at Man United?
The Brazilian has been fairly coy when talking about his future at the club, dismissing any talk of potentially extending his contract. Although he has spoken on how much he enjoys playing for the club, which could be an indicator that he would rather stay for longer, rather than likely leaving for the Saudi Pro League.
Speaking during the back end of last season to ESPN, the midfielder said: “It's too soon to talk about next season, but of course I have another year of contract and then an option. I'm here, I'm available, with total happiness, and I'm ready for the coach and the club. As everyone knows, I'm a big character for the club."
So far this season, Casemiro has been more of a reliable option in midfield for United over the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo. He’s made six Premier League appearances, with one goal so far. He’s also started over 70% of his games this season, which shows Amorim trusts and rates the 33-year-old.