Casemiro will leave Manchester United when his contract expires in the summer after the club decided not to trigger a one-year extension.
United have chosen to part ways at this point to allow time to shape their summer transfer strategy. There is an eagerness to refresh the midfield as part of a squad overhaul, the ambition being to recruit younger players for the long term. Casemiro earns about £430,000 a week and his departure will help free up funds for signings.
The Brazil international, who joined from Real Madrid in 2022 for £70m, wanted his exit announced this month to help him secure his next move. He plans to carry on playing after representing Brazil at the World Cup, and there is interest from clubs in Major League Soccer, Saudi Arabia and his homeland.
Quick Guide
How do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts?
Show
Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for ‘The Guardian’.
If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version.
In the Guardian app, tap the Profile settings button at the top right, then select Notifications.
Turn on sport notifications.
“I will carry Manchester United with me throughout my entire life,” Casemiro, who turns 34 next month, said. “From the first day that I walked out at this beautiful stadium, I felt the passion of Old Trafford and the love that I now share with our supporters for this special club. It is not time to say goodbye; there are many more memories to create during the next four months. We still have a lot to fight for together; my complete focus will, as always, remain on giving my everything to help our club to succeed.”
Casemiro’s time in the Premier League coincided with a period of struggle at United but he will walk away with Carabao Cup and FA Cup winner’s medals. He got the first goal in the 2023 Carabao Cup final triumph over Newcastle and has played 146 times for United, scoring 21 times.
