What’s Next For Casemiro After His Old Trafford Chapter Has Ended?

While many on the outside speculated that Manchester United would do well to secure some form of stability by triggering Casemiro’s one-year extension clause, those on the inside never intended to do so. Being among the highest-paid players in the league, the Brazilian anchor simply didn’t fit the cost-cutting plans of the new owners.
At the time of his signing in August 2022, he was rivalled by perhaps only two other players for the mantle of best defensive midfielder in the world. At times for United, he was truly in a class of his own. At others – and often within a flailing team – he didn’t always look to be good value for money.
So, what will Casemiro’s Manchester United legacy look like, and what’s next for the decorated soon-to-be former Red Devil?

Was Casemiro Worth the Money for Manchester United?

At the time, the money paid to Casemiro looked to be worthwhile. Over the last nearly four seasons, however, the results have been mixed. In 2022, he was riding high, a Real Madrid staple, and it was frankly shocking that a rebuilding club like Manchester United could reel in one of the best players in the world in such a key position.
He came over for a £60 million fee and over £300,000 per week, which explained how Erik ten Hag’s budding side was able to acquire the Brazilian. Such a fee and those wages for someone who was already 30-years-old was a big risk. It’s because of his wages that many of his better showings are now overlooked by the new regime.
Carrying the wages of three potential starters was always going to count against Casemiro, even if he had found his form again in this, his potential contract year. It can be argued that this season, he’s been United’s best defensive player and a top five in performance quality overall, but at 33-years-old and more changes coming, it’s time to go.

What’s Next for Casemiro After Leaving Old Trafford?

Next for Casemiro looks to be either a return home to Brazil after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, or he’ll go and get a more sizable paycheque at a club in the MLS or Saudi Pro League. He’s likely got a few more years to play and earn a good wage somewhere, putting the incredibly intelligent footballer in a good place to grow his wealth further.
In his career so far, he’s earned a huge wage from Real Madrid and an even bigger one from Manchester United. He’s also been able to leverage a 13-year relationship with Nike into a bigger payout with Adidas in 2024, and he’s the Brazilian ambassador for HyperX. Given his profile, he could easily exploit his marketability further.
One such way would be to follow in the footsteps of fellow sporting legends in the appropriately named Sporting Legends game series. Already, jockey Frankie Dettori and boxer Frank Bruno stand tall on more than one bingo website with their own licensed legends games. Casemiro’s fame in the UK and beyond could make him a good addition to the prominent iGaming theme.
He could also use his marketability, popularity, and evidently hefty football brain to follow his legendary compatriot Ronaldo into club ownership. Either on his own, given his sizable wealth, or as the face of a consortium, Casemiro could join Ronaldo, who is the majority owner of Real Sociedad and previously owned Cruzeiro.