Manchester United are preparing a comprehensive squad overhaul this summer that could see up to 13 players depart Old Trafford as Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group seeks to generate a £100 million windfall. Central to these plans is the exit of midfielder Casemiro, 32, who is understood to have confirmed his intention to leave at the end of the current campaign. While lucrative offers from Saudi Pro League sides Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr remain on the table, the Brazilian is increasingly linked with a move to MLS, where Inter Miami and LA Galaxy have reportedly expressed interest.
Casemiro departure and the United wage bill
The decision to part ways with Casemiro follows a reported agreement between the player and the club to waive a contract clause that would have triggered an automatic extension after 35 starts. Removing Casemiro’s £350,000-a-week wages is a priority for United’s new hierarchy as they attempt to align with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his daily briefing, stated that the midfielder had already reached a firm decision to move on as early as January. United paid an initial £60m for his services in 2022, but with two years remaining on his deal, the club is now focused on recouping a fee and shedding his significant salary rather than triggering a further year.
INEOS strategy and the £100m windfall
The proposed exodus is not limited to ageing high-earners; according to reports by Sky Sports and the Daily Mail, INEOS is prepared to sanction departures for a significant portion of the senior squad to fund a tactical rebuild. Beyond Casemiro and Raphael Varane, high-profile names including Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund have been linked with moves to the likes of Barcelona and Napoli respectively. United's recruitment has been heavily scrutinised following a period of massive expenditure; the club has spent over £400m across the last two summer windows with limited return on investment. By targeting a £100m figure from sales, the club aims to create the fiscal headroom necessary for Michael Carrick or a prospective permanent successor to modernise the first-team profile.
Should Casemiro opt for MLS over the Middle East, both Inter Miami and LA Galaxy would first need to restructure their rosters, as neither club currently possesses an available Designated Player slot to accommodate the Brazilian's wage demands.