Real Madrid issue Casemiro statement after £60m Manchester United move agreed

Real Madrid have issued a farewell statement to Casemiro after his £60million transfer to Manchester United was agreed on Friday. Casemiro, 30, is set to become the fourth signing made by Erik ten Hag this summer after moves for Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.

Despite getting those deals across the line, United made a new central midfielder the priority after missing out in the position last summer. Four years have passed since their last addition in that area.

United initially wanted Declan Rice and subsequently turned their attention to Frenkie de Jong when Ten Hag was appointed as manager. However, there have been some well-documented stumbling blocks when it comes to that would-be pursuit and Casemiro has, ultimately, taken centre stage.

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Discussions over a transfer have progressed quickly over the last few days and on Friday it was announced United had come to an agreement with the Spanish giants. Casemiro is set to sign for an initial £60million while the outlay could eventually rise to £70million depending on performance-related add-ons.

Casemiro will become one of the highest earners at Old Trafford and that could increase further if the club are able to cement Champions League qualification this season. He will arrive in the UK as a proven winner having picked up three La Liga and five Champions League medals during nine memorable years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

A short statement on the Real Madrid CF website read: "Real Madrid wants to express its gratitude and affection to Casemiro, a player who is already part of the legend of this club. Casemiro has been one of the most transcendental players in one of the most important and successful