Casemiro joins Man United - Real Madrid confirm deal in principle

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that midfielder Casemiro will leave the club this summer, ahead of a reported move to Manchester United. On Friday night, both clubs confirmed the transfer. The deal is still subject to Casemiro receiving his work visa in the UK, which should only be a formality. According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid will receive €70 million and an additional €11.75 million in performance-based add-ons from the Premier League giants.

In a press conference ahead of his team's La Liga clash with Celta Vigo on Saturday, Ancelotti answered questions from reporters and confirmed that the player had asked to leave the club. “We’ve spoken this morning. He wants to try a new challenge, a new opportunity. I understand this, also the club does," said the Italian head coach. "We wish him all the best in his next challenge."

The reported base fee alone would make Casemiro the second most expensive over 30-year-old player ever together ahead of Miralem Pjanić, who joined Barcelona for €60 million in 2020 from Juventus—that deal also included Brazilian midfielder Arthur. He went the other direction for €76 million in what was considered creative bookkeeping by both clubs.

Only one player in the 30+ plus category will be more expensive once he hits all his performance-based metrics, and that is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar, who could become Casemiro's teammate, joined Juventus from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018 for €117 million (overview).  

Man United transfers: Antony not advanced - De Jong off the table?

Another player linked to Man United has been Ajax winger Antony. But according to Ornstein, a deal to sign the Brazilian winger is considered a long shot. Ajax are understood to have rejected an offer in the region of €80 million for the Brazilian. Frenkie de Jong, in the meantime, is no longer a transfer target should United reach a deal with Real Madrid on Thursday night. There is optimism all around that a deal could be completed as early as Friday.