Manchester United face uncertainty heading into the January transfer window, with Ruben Amorim’s side still left to decide on the departures of a number of players.
The winter transfer window for Premier League clubs opens on January 1st, with many clubs looking to move up the ranks. However, the turn of events this year will also be key for players whose contracts expire in the summer.
The player, whose contract expires on June 30, will be free to talk to overseas clubs next month and even sign a pre-contract agreement. That means he will be free to transfer in the summer and be free to play for his current club until then.
This time last year, Liverpool stars Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah were all in that position, with Salah and Van Dijk ultimately signing new contracts and Alexander-Arnold moving to Real Madrid. This time, Manchester United are at risk of losing several star players.
Of course, not all expiring contracts are created equal. Tom Heaton is said to be likely to retire after this season, but Tyrell Malasia has barely played the past two and a half years, so it’s unlikely to be a big loss.
There was a time when the other two players on the list didn’t feel like big losses either. However, Harry Maguire and Casemiro have rebuilt their United careers under Ruben Amorim and will be missed when they leave.
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United have an option for a further year on Casemiro’s contract after he signs an initial four-year deal in 2022. A similar option was exercised for Maguire, whose own contract was due to expire in June 2025, before the option was triggered.
Nevertheless, questions remain for both men. Casemiro is one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League and despite his resurgence some believe he hasn’t done enough to justify another year on a higher salary, while Maguire spoke of the uncertainty surrounding his future.
“I’m in my final year now so this could be the last time I play at Anfield for this club,” the England international said after scoring United’s winning goal away against Liverpool. “It’s really important to come here and check that off.”
The Mail reported in October that Maguire’s agent had been in regular contact with United, but that no formal offer had been received. The 32-year-old has been sidelined with injury recently but could agree to a pay cut if offered a new contract of suitable length.
Casemiro could remain at Old Trafford despite reported interest from Saudi Arabia and the United States. Head coach Ruben Amorim was impressed with the reaction of the Brazilian, who fell out of favor last season, and praised the example he has set this season.
“I think he has a lot of experience. He’s a role model for everyone,” Amorim said in October. “Initially he was behind all the midfielders, including Toby (Collier). But he fought, worked and now he’s back in the national team. He’s very important for us.”
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