Will Casemiro play for Manchester United against Liverpool on Monday?
Manchester United have reinforced their midfield after agreeing a deal in principle to sign Carlos Henrique ‘Casemiro’ from Real Madrid.
Premier League giants Manchester United have agreed a deal in principle to sign midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid for a fee in the region of £60 million.
The Brazil international is set to become the fourth arrival of this window after Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.
Casemiro, who had three years remaining on his contract with Madrid, brings plenty of quality and experience to Erik ten Hag’s midfield after racking up over 300 appearances during nine trophy-filled years at Santiago Bernabeu.
The 30-year-old won five Champions Leagues with Los Blancos - scoring against Juventus in the 2017 final - as well as four LaLiga titles and three Club World Cups.
Ten Hag target
New United boss Ten Hag has been keen to bolster his ranks in midfield ever since assuming the reins at Old Trafford, with Eriksen’s arrival the first piece of that jigsaw.
But by and large it has been a window of frustration for United, who have spent the majority of the past few months pursuing Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong only to hit several bumps in the road.
That led United to Casemiro, with rumours over the move only surfacing on Thursday.
But the transfer appeared all but done when Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Casemiro had expressed a desire to complete a move away from the Spanish capital.
“We’ve spoken this morning, he wants to try a new challenge, a new opportunity. I understand this, also the club does,” Ancelotti said as he faced the media on Friday.
No Casemiro for Old Trafford clash
The central midfielder however will not be making his debut at Old Trafford next Monday as the Red Devils face Liverpool due to late registration.
Premier League clubs in the top flight have to finalise transfers by midday on the previous working day if they want to field their new signing during that upcoming gameweek and with the move being rubber stamped late on Friday night, the Brazilian and United missed the stipulated deadline.
Casemiro has also yet to undergo his complete medical with United and secure the relevant paperwork/ work permit in order to play in England.