AC Milan targets Casemiro after surprising decision from Manchester United star.

AC Milan is preparing for a surprising move to sign Casemiro, the experienced 34-year-old Brazilian midfielder, who is set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season, according to a new report. After a start to his career at United that seemed to have lost its sparkle, Casemiro has made a strong resurgence this season, especially following the managerial change that saw Michael Carrick take the reins of the team after Ruben Amorim’s departure.

Under Amorim’s guidance, Casemiro struggled to re-establish himself in the team, even though the former coach’s 3-4-2-1 system left him vulnerable on several occasions. However, with Carrick implementing a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, which features Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes playing more central roles in midfield, the Brazilian has returned to form, delivering some of his best performances in the red shirt.

Pressure for INEOS, the club’s owner, to reach an agreement for the extension of its contract has grown considerably over the winter. However, it has been revealed that the decision to let Casemiro leave this summer had already been made. The contract of the former Real Madrid player, which is the most expensive at the club, is around £350,000 per week, and the United management has been working to reduce the wage bill since taking over in 2024. This situation has even made it impossible to consider a renewal on lower terms, especially after the Brazilian turned 34 on Monday.

Although a transfer to the Saudi Pro League was one of the options on the table, several MLS clubs have also shown interest in bringing Casemiro to the United States, with Inter Miami leading the race, especially after Lionel Messi’s endorsement. Additionally, a potential return to Brazil has also been discussed, although the financial limitations of South American clubs may hinder competitive offers.

Meanwhile, as revealed by The Sun, Casemiro is “eager to continue his career in Europe” and has confided to friends that he believes he still has the ability to “compete at a high level in other places on the continent.” Well-placed sources indicate that AC Milan is a “possible destination,” especially considering that his former teammate and compatriot Luka Modric has thrived at San Siro, even as he approaches 40 years of age.

Casemiro and Modric, along with Toni Kroos, formed one of the best midfields in history, propelling Real Madrid to a record series of triumphs in the Champions League during their time in the Spanish capital. A reunion in Italy, in a league like the Serie A, which offers a slower pace and less physically demanding competition, could be a smart move for the declining midfielder.

The Rossoneri have already signed Modric in a similar situation, after the end of his contract with Madrid last summer. Under the guidance of Massimiliano Allegri, Milan currently sits in second place in the table, ten points behind rivals Inter, with twelve games still to play.

The move to Italian football would undoubtedly be the most sensible decision Casemiro could make this transfer season, as he still has much to offer. His exemplary attitude and leadership will be deeply felt at Old Trafford, leaving a sense of regret that it was not possible to agree on a one-year extension at lower wages. However, it is unlikely that the Brazilian would accept such terms, even if they were offered, which means that INEOS made the right decision. Now, it is up to Casemiro to make the right choice for the final chapters of a brilliant career.