The Brazilian midfielder’s lucrative contract is set to expire in 2026, with a dramatic pay cut on the table at Old Trafford and mega-rich Saudi clubs ready to pounce.
MANCHESTER — The curtain is set to fall on Casemiro’s blockbuster tenure at Manchester United. According to a report from The Times, the club does not plan to extend the Brazilian midfielder’s contract beyond June 2026, setting the stage for a major squad overhaul and signaling the end of a high-stakes, big-money experiment.
When Casemiro arrived from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, he was hailed as the definitive solution to United’s midfield woes. For a season, he delivered, bringing leadership, steel, and a winning mentality that propelled the team to a Carabao Cup trophy. However, his influence has waned dramatically in his second year, with his performances drawing criticism for a lack of mobility and sharpness.
The core of the issue is financial. Casemiro is one of the highest earners at the club, on a deal reportedly worth around £350,000 per week. With his contract expiring in 2026, United are faced with a decision: offer a new deal to a player who will be 34 years old, or cut ties.
As per The Times, the club’s potential solution is to offer a new contract with a staggering two-thirds pay reduction. Unsurprisingly, this is not considered a viable option for a player of Casemiro’s stature and age, making a departure almost inevitable.
The Saudi Proposition
While a pay cut at United holds little appeal, the exit door opens to a golden path. The Saudi Pro League, which has aggressively pursued global stars, is “ready to pay a huge salary” to bring Casemiro to the Middle East. This offers the veteran a financially secure and prestigious next chapter, far removed from the intense pressure of the Premier League.
Casemiro’s potential departure marks a pivotal moment for Manchester United. It represents a conscious move away from the strategy of signing aging superstars on massive wages, a policy that has yielded mixed results. For the Brazilian, it’s a chance for one last monumental contract in a less demanding league. While his time at Old Trafford will be remembered for its initial glory and subsequent decline, both parties now appear to be heading for an amicable, and financially logical, divorce in the summer of 2026.