Al-Nassr has developed an interest in Manchester United midfielder Casemiro as the Saudi Pro League team is prepared to let go of one of their most prominent newcomers from 2023 in his position.
The first major signing for Al-Nassr and the Saudi Pro League last year, Cristiano Ronaldo, the former forward for Manchester United, is said to have urged his new club to try to get his former Real Madrid colleague. This is according to Foot Mercato.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a new investor, has been closely examining Casemiro’s summer 2022 transfer from Real Madrid, raising doubts about his future at Manchester United.
Even though Casemiro’s contract expires in 2026, Man United does not think of him as a long-term defensive midfield option.
In 2024, the Saudi Pro League appears to be his most likely destination if they are to let him go. Foot Mercato has now identified Al-Nassr as his exact prospective next club.
According to the story, Al-Nassr has taken Ronaldo’s counsel to heart and intends to try to sign Casemiro, who is said to be “interested” in the challenge of playing in Saudi Arabia.
The Al-Nassr squad currently has a limited number of foreign spaces available, although Casemiro could be able to take one if one of them leaves.
Seko Fofana, who unexpectedly left European football behind after helping Lens qualify for the Champions League the previous season and was in high demand, is rumored to have been told he is free to leave Al-Nassr in January.
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Unexpected cross-Saudi swap would allow Casemiro to transfer
It is not unexpected that Fofana, who is now representing Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations, is becoming more and more popular.
The most unexpected aspect may be that he might still play for a Saudi Pro League team as he is expected to either join Al-Shabab under Jose Mourinho or take over for Jordan Henderson at Al-Ettifaq.
Fofana might make a bid for Casemiro regardless of the decision, given the freedom Al-Nassr would then have to acquire another foreign player.
As an alternative, David Ospina, the injured former goalkeeper for Arsenal, might be added back to Ronaldo’s team by using the additional position for a foreign player.
However, there is a demonstrated interest in investigating a Casemiro transfer, so it will be interesting to watch, particularly as Manchester United consider if the player still has a future at Old Trafford.
Owing in large part to his outstanding list of accolades from his time with Real Madrid—the majority of which he earned while playing for the same side as Ronaldo—Casemiro would bring some title-winning expertise to Al-Nassr as they quest for top spot in the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Nassr is currently seven points behind leaders Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. Thus, there can be a perception that they can close the gap if they add Casemiro in the middle of the season.
He has made 12 appearances and scored four goals for Manchester United this season, although he hasn’t participated in the Premier League since October owing to injury. They would be interrupting that run.
