Man U reach deal to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid

MADRID (AP):

Manchester United reached a deal yesterday to sign midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid, the two clubs said, ending the Brazilian’s successful stint in Spain.

The clubs did not provide financial details, but Spanish media said the deal for the 30-year-old Brazilian was worth more than 60 million euros (US$60.2 million).

Madrid thanked Casemiro and called him a club legend. He had been with Madrid since 2013 and helped them win 18 titles, including five Champions League and three Spanish leagues.

The club said Casemiro will be honoured at an event at the team’s training centre on Monday.

United, who have lost their opening two games of the Premier League season, have been in the market for a central midfielder since the transfer window opened.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said earlier yesterday that Casemiro was in negotiations for a move and a deal was imminent.

He said he spoke with Casemiro and felt “there was no way back”.

“He wants to try a new challenge, a new opportunity,” Ancelotti said in a news conference. “The club understands. With all he’s done for this club and the person he is, we have to respect it. There are talks right now, he’s still a Real Madrid player at this stage, but he wants to leave.”

“I haven’t tried to convince him, I just listened, because I have spoken to Casemiro throughout my time here and he has helped us so much,” Ancelotti said. “Having heard what he wants, there’s no way back. If he doesn’t stay, we’ll have an enormous sense of gratitude to him for all he’s done.”

The 30-year-old Casemiro has been with Madrid since 2013 and is regarded as one of the world’s best holding midfielders. Madrid’s midfield has been one of the best in the world in recent years with Casemiro playing alongside Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.

Ancelotti said Madrid have replacements for Casemiro, though, including young France midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who was signed in the offseason. The club has other players who can fill in as well, including Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos and even David Alaba, a defender who can play in midfield if needed.

“Tchouaméni was signed for this position and he’s one of the best central midfielders on the market right now,” Ancelotti said. “Then we’ve got Kroos, who can play in that position too, just like he did in my second year here, and there’s Camavinga as well.”