Casemiro on Juventus’ radar as race for Man United star heats up | OneFootball

Juventus are the latest side to express interest in Casemiro after the Manchester United midfielder made clear his plans this summer, according to a new report from Italy.

Old Trafford Swansong

As it approaches its final few months, Casemiro‘s spell with the Red Devils has been one of polar extremes.

The Brazilian behemoth was signed from Real Madrid for £60 million in the summer of 2022, tasked with helping Erik ten Hag steady a sinking ship at Old Trafford.

And it proved a revelatory transfer as Casemiro established himself as the best defensive midfielder in England, helping United win their first trophy – the Carabao Cup – in six years and propelling them back into the Champions League with a third-placed finish.

However, the five-time European champion then turned from hero to zero in his sophomore season, appearing to age like milk over the space of one summer. Ten Hag’s tactics left him horribly exposed at the heart of midfield, further exacerbating his physical decline.

There was a recovery in his third season, particularly after the Dutch manager was replaced by Ruben Amorim midway through the campaign. The 40-year-old Portuguese initially dropped the experienced midfielder, but he fought his way back into the fold and finished the year as an integral part of the team.

This resurgence has continued in Casemiro’s fourth, and final, season at the club, aided by the arrival of Michael Carrick in the wake of Amorim’s sacking in January. His form under the caretaker coach has arguably been his strongest since joining United, with imperious performances in the wins over Manchester City, Arsenal, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, the Sao Paulo native will depart in May when his contract expires after INEOS decided against a renewal, given he turned 34 this week and is the club’s best-paid player.

An Italian Renaissance

Initially, it was understood Casemiro was leaning towards a switch to the United States, with a number of sides in the MLS expressing interest in his services.

There was also the possibility of a return to Brazil, or a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League to link up with former Madridista and Red Devil, Cristiano Ronaldo. However, he has now decided he still has the ability to compete in one of Europe’s top leagues, particularly if he chooses a country – such as Italy – with a slower pace than the frantic nature of Premier League football.

Sources close to the player revealed AC Milan were one option under consideration, with the Rossoneri having struck a similar deal to sign Luka Modric on a free from Real Madrid. But the Serie A giant now faces a race with rivals Juventus to secure Casemiro’s signature after the Turin side threw their hat into the ring, according to Tuttomercatoweb (relayed by Juve FC).

“Juventus have now added him to their list of potential summer targets as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of next season,” the report details.

“The Bianconeri view the midfielder as one of their most attractive options and believe his leadership qualities could enhance their dressing room. Should negotiations progress favourably, Casemiro’s arrival in Turin would provide Juventus with a seasoned performer capable of influencing matches at both domestic and European level.”

Final Thoughts

United will certainly miss Casemiro next season, with the Brazilian’s combination of experience, work ethic and, a particularly underrated attribute, aerial dominance all having proven essential to his team this season.

However, he turns 35 next season and it is time for a changing of the guard in central midfield, even if the transition may prove bumpy in the short term.

From Casemiro’s perspective, Serie A is the perfect landing spot for a player with tiring legs, but whose brain and feet still have plenty to offer at the highest level. The football will not leave him for a while should he join one of Italy’s heavyweights.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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