Manchester United are preparing for a massive rebuild this summer as new part-owners INEOS look to make crucial changes at the club.
United’s recent 4-0 mullering against Crystal Palace in their last match was their 18th defeat in all competitions – their worst record since the 1977/78 season.
INEOS’ vision for United likely involves a player exodus and overhaul, and established players Raphael Varane and Casemiro will be among the casualties.
The ex-Real Madrid pair have failed to live up to expectations this season, prompting the club to consider their departures.
The cash-rich Saudi Pro League has emerged as a destination for declining European football stars looking to see out their careers in a low-pressure competition, and Casemiro and Varane could head there.
Sports bettors in the Arab world will be eager to see where these familiar faces may land, as their arrival would be big news for whichever clubs they sign for.
International betting sites for Arabic players would be buzzing with activity as punters wager on their new teams to win silverware with international superstars in their ranks.
Casemiro’s decline points to exit
Injuries and age have undoubtedly caught up with Casemiro. The 32-year-old has suffered a massive decline this term, and his time in the Premier League appears to be nearing its end.
One potential landing spot for Casemiro is Al-Nassr where he could reunite with former Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
The nine-time SPL champions have signed some exciting players from Europe since Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) bought a 75% stake in the club in June.
Al-Nassr have added Otavio, Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, Seko Fofana, Alex Telles and Marcelo Brozovic to manager Luis Castro’s squad.
Casemiro could partner Brozovic at the base of midfield. He will find former teammates and a Portuguese-speaking manager at Al-Nassr, easing his transition into the SPL.
However, Al-Nassr may face competition from Al-Ittihad. The reigning SPL champions are looking to bounce back from a poor title defence.
Al-Ittihad are fifth in the SPL, having struggled with injuries for much of the season. There has been no improvement under manager Marcelo Gallardo, and they may turn to the European market to add more quality to their squad.
Whether Casemiro chooses Al-Nassr or Al-Ittihad, the once-dominant midfield destroyer must play out the final act of his career away from Old Trafford.
Varane to seek new challenge in the Saudi Pro League
Al-Ittihad have struggled with injuries, especially in defence, forcing former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho to move to centre-back.
Every Al-Ittihad centre-back has been injured at one point this season, with Aseel Abed, Luiz Felipe, Ahmed Hegazy, Suwailem Al-Manhali and Omar Hawsawi on the treatment table.
The club may look to Europe for defensive reinforcements and a link-up with Varane could be a match made in heaven.
Varane could plug the gap in defence, bringing his experience and leadership qualities to a club desperately needing to shore up its backline.
He could be the missing piece for Al-Ittihad, solidifying their backline and potentially propelling them back to the top of the SPL.
Al-Nassr have also been credited with an interest in Varane, with several media outlets claiming they are ready to offer him a mega deal when he leaves United on a free transfer this summer.
They may also be seeking a reunion for Ronaldo with Varane. The pair played together for years at Madrid and United. The Frenchman could form a terrific defensive partnership with Aymeric Laporte.
The mega-money offer from Al-Nassr is tempting, but the allure of being a leader and solving Al-Ittihad’s defensive woes could be the deciding factor.
Other clubs such as Al-Ahli, Al-Shabab and Al-Ettifaq could also weigh in with a move for the World Cup winner this summer.
