Manchester United reached a deal on Friday to sign midfielder Casimir from Real Madrid, ending the Brazilian’s successful stint in Spain and giving the struggling English giant a much-needed reinforcement.
Both clubs confirmed the deal but did not provide financial details, although Spanish media said the deal for the 30-year-old Brazilian was worth about 70 million euros ($70 million) plus variables. United said the transfer is subject to the agreement of personal terms, UK visa requirements and a medical. United, which has lost its opening two games of the Premier League season, has been in the market for a central midfielder since the transfer window opened.
Casimir's arrival should be a boost for beleaguered United manager Erik ten Hag, who unsuccessfully deployed playmaker Christian Erik sen in a deeper-lying midfield role in last weekend’s 4-0 loss at Brent ford. Madrid thanked Casimir and called him a club legend. He had been with Madrid since 2013 and helped it win 18 titles, including five Champions League and three Spanish leagues. The club said Casimir will be honored at an event at the team’s training center on Monday.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had said earlier Friday that Casimir was in negotiations for a move and a deal was imminent. He said he spoke with Casimir and felt “there was no way back,” “He wants to try a new challenge, a new opportunity,” Ancelotti said in a news conference. “The club understands. With all he’s done for this club and the person he is, we have to respect it. There are talks right now, he’s still a Real Madrid player at this stage, but he wants to leave.” Ancelotti said he didn’t try to change Casimir the mind about leaving.
“I haven’t tried to convince him, I just listened, because I have spoken to Casimir throughout my time here, and he has helped us so much,” Ancelotti said. “Having heard what he wants, there’s no way back. If he doesn’t stay, we’ll have an enormous sense of gratitude to him for all he’s done.” The 30-year-old Casimir has been with Madrid since 2013 and is regarded as one of the world’s best holding midfielders. Madrid’s midfield has been one of the best in the world in recent years, with Casimir playing alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić.
Casimir helped the club win five Champions League titles and three Spanish leagues, among several other trophies. He has more than 60 appearances with Brazil’s national team and is set to play in the World Cup in Qatar. He helped Brazil win the 2019 Copa América.
Ancelotti said Madrid has replacements for Casimir, though, including young France midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who was signed in the off season. The club has other players who can fill in as well, including Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camping, Dani Cellos and even David ALBA, a defender who can play in midfield if needed.
“Then we’ve got Crops, who can play in that position too, just like he did in my second year here, and there’s Camavinga as well.”
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