Brazilian club Sao Paulo have made their stance clear regarding a move for Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.
The 32-year-old arrived at United in a deal worth up to £70 million in 2022. He enjoyed an impressive first season at Old Trafford but has struggled this term.
Injury problems have limited the former Real Madrid star to only 13 Premier League starts in 2023-24, with only a goal and an assist to his name.
The experienced midfielder has a contract until 2026, but United are expected to sell him in the summer transfer window.
Casemiro has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, where his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo plays for Al-Nassr.
Given that he progressed through the Sao Paulo academy, a reunion with the Brazilian club has also been discussed in the media.
But their president Julio Casares has denied reports of signing him due to the financial implications of such a deal.
“In Casemiro’s case, there is nothing,” Casares told Metropoles. “He is a great player who was trained here, an extraordinary guy, a leader, a good player, but there’s nothing.
“It’s clear that Casemiro is a great player, but there is absolutely nothing there. Sao Paulo also has a rigour of the size of the investments we make.
“Of course, we will always look at possibilities in situations, but within a financial responsibility and budget. For now, the answer is no. There are no talks.”
Casemiro will be in action today
Manchester United suffered a disappointing 2-1 loss against Fulham at the weekend.
Most of the players were disappointing including Casemiro, who was taken off after 53 minutes due to injury.
He failed to show his quality on the ball and sparked a breakaway when he lost possession. He had only 39 touches in the game and lost the ball five times.
Despite his anonymous display, Casemiro is set to start alongside Kobbie Mainoo in today’s FA Cup match at Nottingham Forest.
