Real Madrid boss admits Man Utd transfer target Casemiro wants new challenge
Carlo Ancelotti has all but confirmed Casemiro's transfer to Manchester United by revealing that the Brazilian has requested a 'new challenge'.
Reports emerged that United were close to agreeing a £59.2million deal to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid to finally resolve their midfield crisis. But now Ancelotti has confirmed that Los Blancos are preparing for life without the 30-year-old, as he said: "I have spoken with Casemiro.
"He wants to try a new challenge. We understand his decision. Negotiations are ongoing but he has decided to leave Real Madrid." The midfielder is set to sign a four-year deal, and would become the ninth Brazilian to represent United.
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Casemiro's decision to leave Madrid has come as a shock to many fans, with the midfielder coming off the back of a La Liga and Champions League double winning season with Los Blancos. But the Brazilian has been with the side since 2013, and is clearly eyeing a new challenge in England.
It's certainly set to be the statement signing of Erik ten Hag's tenure so far, with Casemiro set to join Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia who all arrived this summer. United have also had a £67m bid rejected by Ajax for Antony, as they look to make a late surge in the summer window.
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Casemiro will be a big miss for Madrid, and becomes the first of the iconic trio in midfield to leave the club. Casemiro has been a long-term option alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, but it's now time for the next generation to take over.
Ancelotti reiterated: "My plans are not gonna change with Casemiro leaving as we have Modric, Kroos, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Fede Valverde, Camavinga. Six midfielders are enough for this season. They're very, very good."
The Brazilian has also reportedly told his Madrid team-mates that he is leaving, and has said farewell ahead of travelling to England. There is no possibility that a deal could be completed in time for Casemiro to face Liverpool on Monday, but he will be crucial for the rest of the season.
United have lost their opening two Premier League games for the first time since 1992, and they are yet to score a goal of their own making. After losing 2-1 to Brighton and 4-0 to Brentford, they are bottom of the Premier League table.
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