CASEMIRO CLOSE TO NEW UNITED DEAL, CONDITION REMAINS
Manchester United may offer Casemiro a contract extension, but only if the midfielder accepts a significant wage cut. The club had previously planned for the Brazilian to leave in 2026
File Photo: Casemiro
As Casemiro nears the end of his contract, Manchester United has apparently shifted its position on the midfielder's future.
Casemiro is almost leaving United.
It has long been anticipated that Casemiro will leave United when his contract expires in the summer of next year.
Along with players like David de Gea and Raphael Varane, he signed a contract with United in 2022 that made him one of the team's biggest earners.
However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS made several attempts to move him on and remove his enormous salary from the club's books as a result of his decline in performance.
Casemiro has been heavily linked to a move to the Saudi Pro League and even his home country of Brazil during the last few windows, but the move has never happened.
He has consistently maintained that he wants to finish out his contract and then depart if he does not receive a new offer.
Many believed that Casemiro's exit was imminent because United was anticipated to restructure its midfield department in the summer of 2026. But there is still a chance the veteran might stay at Old Trafford longer, according to Rob Dawson of ESPN.
United alters its plan for Casemiro
According to Dawson, United might decide to keep Casemiro, but only on one very specific requirement.
"Sources have told ESPN that Manchester United has not ruled out keeping Casemiro till the end of the season, but if he wants to stay, he would probably have to accept a wage cut."
"Sources have informed ESPN that he would need to accept a significant pay reduction if he wishes to remain at United."
He and his family have made Manchester their home, according to sources who spoke to ESPN. Clubs in the Saudi Pro League and Brazil are interested, and he can begin negotiating with clubs outside of England in January.
Although it would mean keeping Casemiro's present wage, United has the option to extend his contract by an additional 12 months. It seems improbable that the club will choose this option.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.