Casemiro wants to leave Real Madrid and join Manchester United in the Premier League, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti on Friday.
“Casemiro wants a new challenge, and we understand that; I don’t think there’s a way back,” Ancelotti said at a news conference on Friday.
“I’ve talked to him. We must respect Casemiro’s desire because of what he has done and who he is. The negotiations are still ongoing; he is still our player, but his desire to leave is strong.”
According to Reuters, the 30-year-old midfielder will sign a four- to five-year contract with United, with annual wages of around 16 million euros ($16.10 million).
According to British media reports, United’s first offer to Real Madrid for the Brazilian is around 70 million euros.
“Real Madrid loses a player who has worked well with the team’s other quality midfielders, (Luka) Modric and (Toni) Kroos. He is significant and has been instrumental in Madrid’s success “According to Ancelotti.
“If there is an agreement, we will wish him well and look at what we have in the club to replace him.”
The LaLiga and European champions signed France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni from AS Monaco in June, with the 22-year-old rumored to be Casemiro’s replacement.
“We have Tchouameni, but there are other players who can play in the same position,” Ancelotti explained.
“Tchouameni was a top midfielder on the market. Kroos, like in my second year here, can also play there.”
Casemiro won five Champions League trophies, three La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and three Club World Cups after joining the Spanish giants from Sao Paulo in 2013.
