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So, the news around the block is Casemiro to Manchester United looks more real than ever. With the player and the buyer club thoroughly interested in the move. While Real Madrid are thinking of letting Casemiro go for the right price. A deal looks feasible. Reliable journalists have reported it. So at this stage let's take a moment and think how this transfer makes sense, if any.
A little brief of Casemiro's profile. 4 times champions league winner with multiple La Liga titles already under his belt, Casemiro can pretty much be called a Real Madrid legend. His partnership with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric has led to one of the most telepathic and successful midfield trios out there. Also known as KCM. Now Casemiro is 30 years old. Considering his fitness and the position of his game, he can easily play for another 4-5 years on the very top level. Now one might think, why would Casemiro even imagine of leaving Real Madrid at this stage and age? That too for a downtrending club like Manchester United? Who are also yet to register a point under new manager Eric Ten Hag by the way. But there are other factors in play.
Football isn't about just playing the game anymore. And this part might make you sad. Professional football is a profession like any other. Professional footballers also get paid for their work, are bound to certain clubs by something what the economists call a "contract". Now with the details. According to various sources, Casemiro earns 5 million euros per year after tax at Real Madrid. Here we must remember taxing rules are very harsh in Spain. So Casemiro earning 5 million euros per year and having 3 years left in his contract, gives him a guarantee of 15 million euros. While on the other hand, Manchester United have reportedly offered a sum that is almost double of what he earns at Real Madrid. Confirmed by the reliable Fabrizio Romano. So let's do some simple maths here. Considering it's "almost" double let's assume it's a modest 8 million euros per year for Casemiro. And the proposed contract is of 5 years. So that's 40 million euros guaranteed. A deficit of 25 million euros which can be more because I have considered a modest amount. Now, at the age of 30 this is Casemiro's last big contract. Considering the average footballer retires at somewhere around 35.
So Casemiro, being a professional athlete, is very right in his thoughts about securing his future. If he can secure a huge amount of money for him and his family, he can't be blamed. We all work for money and financial freedom. Now considering the sporting side, Casemiro has won everything at Real Madrid. He is a world beater for several years now. He has absolutely nothing to prove. He will still be a legendary footballer even if he retires tomorrow. So testing out arguably the most competitive league in Europe after having nothing to lose, is a tempting opportunity to pass on. And regardless of how Manchester United are playing, it's still Manchester United. The value is there. Plus having old teammates likes Raphael Varane, Cristiano Ronaldo, although he's likely to leave, and countryman Fred might persuade him towards a friendly environment. And considering Real Madrid's history of discarding players before they become a liability, don't be surprised if Madrid actually agree to sell.
All in all, this transfer makes sense for everyone. Madrid can look to renew their midfield though it should be done in another pattern. And Manchester United get a world class defensive midfielder which they, I don't remember when last had. Also Casemiro gets a better security of his future.