Casemiro seals Manchester United move for reported £60M initial fee

Five-time Champions League winner Casemiro is officially joining Manchester United.

Real Madrid announced Friday they reached an agreement to sell the Brazilian midfielder in a deal that could reportedly cost United as much as £70 million.

“Real Madrid would like to express their gratitude and affection for Casemiro, a player who is already part of the legend of this club,” the Spanish side said in a statement confirming his departure.

Los Blancos will receive £60 million in guaranteed money and a further £10 million in performance-related bonuses, according to The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano.

Casemiro still needs to agree to terms over a contract, meet U.K. visa requirements, and complete a medical to complete the blockbuster transfer, the Premier League club said.

He’s scheduled to arrive in Manchester on Saturday to undergo a medical before officially being unveiled, Romano reports. However, he’s not expected to be available for United’s clash against rivals Liverpool on Monday.

The veteran will apparently sign a long-term pact that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2026, Romano reports. The deal, which includes an option for a fifth year, would also make him one of United’s highest earners.

Casemiro’s weekly salary is expected to be in the same region as David De Gea’s contract, which is reportedly worth more than £350,000, according to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell.

The 30-year-old could also reportedly receive a significant bonus if United qualify for the Champions League. The Red Devils currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table after losing their opening two games of the season.

Casemiro is set to become United’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of midfielder Christian Eriksen, full-back Tyrell Malacia, and defender Lisandro Martinez. He’s also the third player to leave the Spanish capital for the Red Devils after Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo joined the English outfit last summer.

Along with a handful of Champions League winners medals, Casemiro also played a vital role in helping Los Blancos win three La Liga titles and several other honors during his illustrious nine-year stint in Madrid.

Real Madrid will formally bid farewell to the defensive midfielder Monday during a ceremony at their training facility.

Signing Casemiro is expected to spell the end of United’s futile pursuit of Frenkie de Jong, who reportedly refused the club’s attempts to lure him away from Barcelona.