After $90M Deal Stopped Harry Kane Pursuit, Casemiro’s Manchester United Exit Inevitable With Jim Ratcliffe’s Official Announcement

Casemiro was one of the most sought-after transfers for Manchester United. The Brazilian superstar’s arrival at Old Trafford with a $90 million deal in pocket captivated the global soccer fraternity. But there’s a twist to this story. According to an astonishing revelation, had the Red Devils not gone after the midfield dynamo, they could have signed the former talisman of Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane. 

Additionally, the future of Casemiro on the red side of Manchester is in doubt ahead of the arrival of the new part-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The British billionaire and owner of the INEOS Chemicals Group is set to purchase 25% of the club, marking a substantial investment of $1.65 billion.

Manchester United missed out on Harry Kane due to Casemiro

As reported in The Athletic, Manchester United could have bought Harry Kane instead of Casemiro. In fact, there was internal opposition within the team to the decision to sign the Brazilian midfielder, who plays differently than Frenkie De Jong. Additionally, United could have also gone for Declan Rice by paying $150 million, which would have been a more financially responsible choice. Rice, who was 23 at the time, would have provided United with stronger long-term financial-fair-play (FFP) possibilities. Although Kane was ten Hag’s top pick as the center forward, United reportedly never deemed a “genuine approach.”

Notably, the then-West Ham star had a prospective resale value and the ability to spread the expense over a longer contract time. Furthermore, the player would have agreed on a lesser income than Casemiro’s £350,000 per week. Yet, the decision-makers went with Casemiro, with coach Erik ten Hag insisting the presence of the former Real Madrid man would make an “immediate impact” on the team. Subsequently, the 30-year-old’s wages practically ended United’s hope of even thinking of adjusting Kane’s salary. However, Casemiro’s time might come to an end after the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the Red Devils’ new part-owner. 

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Casemiro’s axing is on the horizon with the impending arrival of Jim Ratcliffe

Earlier, Sir Jim Ratcliffe came to Manchester United’s facility in Carrington, where he questioned Casemiro’s transfer. Just like the internal board members, the billionaire businessman also doubted United’s zeal to invest in the Brazilian international. Perhaps with Ratcliffe close to getting his own office at the club, the new owner will look to offload Casemiro. 

Saudi Arabia has been a preferred destination for the former Porto man, as he is linked to reunite with his former teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. Additionally, rivals Al Hilal are also keeping tabs on him. For now, the player is nursing his injury and hasn’t featured for United since November 1. It remains to be seen what happens at this stage.

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