Manchester United midfielder Casemiro could unexpectedly stay at the club this summer given the cost of terminating his contract, according to a report.
The former Real Madrid man seamlessly slotted into the Red Devils' engine room during Erik ten Hag's first campaign in charge, forming a strong bond with fellow new arrival Christian Eriksen.
Casemiro's contributions were crucial in helping Man United win the EFL Cup and secure a Champions League return via a third-placed Premier League finish, but his fortunes took a nosedive in 2024-25.
The Brazil international was still a mainstay of Ten Hag's setup, normally partnering teenage protege Kobbie Mainoo, as he played 32 matches and contributed five goals and three assists.
Despite his respectable numbers, there was a consensus that the 32-year-old had lost his way a touch, and he was also asked to fill in at the heart of defence due to Man United's injury problems - an area he was far from comfortable in.
Man United 'would have to pay £25m' to terminate Casemiro deal
Even though Casemiro still has two years left to run on his contract, with an option to extend until the summer of 2027, a parting of the ways has been seen as inevitable due to his decline in performances.
However, despite talk of interest from the Public Investment Fund-backed clubs of the Saudi Pro League, Man United are not believed to have received any serious proposals for the South American, whom they have slapped a £30m price tag on.
If there is still no movement on the transfer front, Man United's best chance of severing ties with Casemiro would be via a contract termination, but according to The Sun, that avenue could prove far too expensive.
The report claims that the Red Devils would have to cough up a staggering £25m to rip up the Brazilian's deal, which would take up half of their original £50m transfer kitty for the summer window.
As a result, there is reportedly a strong chance of Casemiro instead completing a third season at Old Trafford, even though he has been told that he is free to leave in the coming weeks.
Casemiro agents 'to meet' with Man Utd next week
The midfielder's entourage are reportedly now set to sit down with Old Trafford chiefs over the coming days, and they will be demanding clarity on Casemiro's role in the team for the 2024-25 season.
However, even if they are told that the 32-year-old is not seen as an important player for Ten Hag moving forward, the midfielder will not be content to leave on the cheap.
From 83 appearances in a Man United shirt, Casemiro has contributed 12 goals and nine assists, but he was left out of Brazil's squad for the 2024 Copa America due to his poor displays at club level last term.
Without Casemiro in the ranks, Brazil could only manage a 0-0 draw with Costa Rica first up before thumping Paraguay 4-1 on Friday to sit second in Group D, two points behind Colombia. body check tags ::
