According to Fabrizio Romano, Cristiano Ronaldo has recommended that Al-Nassr pursue an unexpected transfer for a Manchester United midfielder with a valuation of £80 million.

In November 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United contract was terminated after a public disagreement with coach Erik ten Hag. Recent reports now suggest that Ronaldo is advising Al-Nassr to pursue Casemiro, hinting at a potential move for the Brazilian midfielder who appears open to embracing a “new challenge.”

Speculation regarding Casemiro’s departure from Manchester United has intensified in recent weeks, especially as the 31-year-old midfielder approaches his 32nd birthday. Despite a strong debut season at Old Trafford, concerns have surfaced among some fans regarding his long-term suitability with the team, exacerbated by perceived performance declines leading up to a hamstring injury.

In August 2022, Casemiro signed a five-year contract at the age of 30, a deal that has been criticized for its perceived lack of foresight. Despite Manchester United’s significant £60 million investment in the midfielder, there are concerns within the club that recovering even half of that amount could be challenging, given the timing and circumstances.

The possible exit of Casemiro has been linked to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is anticipated to play a more active role in overseeing contracts, sales, and transfers. While United may not have a definitive plan to sell the player outright, they are reportedly open to considering offers during the ongoing transfer window.

According to reports from Foot Mercato, Cristiano Ronaldo has played an active role in advising Al-Nassr to pursue Casemiro. The intention behind this move is to convince the Brazilian, who was a former teammate of Ronaldo at Real Madrid, to consider joining the Saudi Pro League—a destination that has frequently been associated with Casemiro.

However, executing a transfer for the five-time Champions League winner comes with its own set of challenges. Al-Nassr would have to engage in discussions with Manchester United, and any potential acquisition of Casemiro would require the release of an existing non-domestic player. This is due to the strict overseas quota outlined by Saudi league regulations concerning squad numbers.

Although there are considerations to potentially ease these regulations, such changes are not anticipated before the commencement of the upcoming season. Consequently, a January move appears even less likely under the existing regulatory framework

The dynamics of this potential transfer underscore the complexities involved in player movements across leagues, with individual player preferences, club strategies, and regulatory frameworks all contributing to the intricate negotiations that shape the transfer landscape.