Xavi delighted with Casemiro transfer

FT Desk

• 20 Aug 2022 13:15 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United have agreed a deal with Real Madrid for the transfer of midfielder Casemiro, and it’s something to delight the Spanish champions’ rivals, Barcelona.

Erik ten Hag’s side moved quickly to sign Casemiro, having lost 4-0 to Brentford, and rapidly made progress with Real Madrid, agreeing a fee of €60 million plus €10 million in add-ons for the Brazilian.

Casemiro, 30, has been an integral part of Real Madrid’s side over the last decade, involved in their five Champions League wins as well their La Liga successes, including one of each last season.

Now, he’s going to be at Old Trafford, and that’s something encouraging for their rivals, including Barcelona, who have faced the best of Casemiro in recent times.

Xavi praises Casemiro importance

Barcelona boss Xavi was bizarrely asked about the transfer ahead of his side’s La Liga clash with Real Sociedad over the weekend, and highlighted his importance for Los Blancos.

The Catalan coach said: “Casemiro? He was an important player for Madrid. They signed a player to replace him, but I don’t like to talk about our opponent. They lost an important player but these are decisions related to their club.”

Xavi, was, of course, referring to Aurelien Tchouameni, who Real Madrid signed earlier in the transfer window, being the most expensive signing of the summer in any league, having joined for €100 million from Monaco.

Real Madrid are unlikely to sign anyone else in the remaining days of the window, and will stick with their current options, with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde the other options to slot into Casemiro’s place.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be happy with the deal they made, earning big on a player who was approaching 31 and making money on a player they didn’t necessarily need to make a profit on.

As for Casemiro, formalities related to the transfer are expected to be complete in the coming week and he could make his debut in the weekend after, as Ten Hag’s side travel to the south coast to face Southampton.