Casemiro staying or going will reportedly determine whether Manchester United pursue a new midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo this summer. Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has been touted as a high-profile target for the Red Devils, and the thought of him partnering Mainoo in the middle of the park is enough to make supporters salivate.
Kimmich is believed to be unsettled in Bavaria, with manager Thomas Tuchel leaving at the end of the season and Bayer Leverkusen wiping the floor with them in the Bundesliga. Bayern look set to go the whole campaign without getting their hands on a trophy, unless they can pull off a shock victory in the Champions League.
With the final 12 months of his contract approaching, Kimmich is coming to a crossroads. Bayern reportedly value him at just under £43million, and United are understood to be serious contenders in the hunt for his signature.
However, according to The Telegraph, the Red Devils will only go after a midfielder if Casemiro departs this summer. The 32-year-old is contracted to Old Trafford until 2026 and occupies a huge space on the wage bill.
Rumours of a big-money offer from the Saudi Pro League could yet turn Casemiro’s head, but things are very much in the balance with several months until the window swings open.
If the Brazilian opts against a move to the Middle East, and no other suitable offers are put forward, United may be forced to stick with him for at least another season, leaving their prospective hunt for a new midfielder in tatters.
At the age of 29, the versatile star has banked eight Bundesliga titles, a Champions League and a Club World Cup, among other accolades. Kimmich also boasts 84 international caps for Germany.
Given the current uncertainty at Bayern, this summer seems the perfect time for Ten Hag to strike. But a move coming to fruition may ultimately depend on whether Casemiro remains at Old Trafford.