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Inter Miami are reportedly closing in on a sensational deal to bring Casemiro to Major League Soccer following his departure from Manchester United.
The legendary Brazilian midfielder reportedly chose South Florida as his preferred destination, setting the stage for a delightful reunion with several former rivals and friends in the United States.
Inter Miami wins the race for Casemiro
The Manchester United veteran has made a decision. After leaving Old Trafford this summer, Casemiro has identified Inter Miami as his next home. The Athletic reports that while there were several options on the table, the 34-year-old is determined to move to Vice City.
The move would see the Brazil international join a star list that already includes Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and German Berterame. Despite interest from around the world, the lure of Miami’s ambitious MLS project has proven too strong for the five-time Champions League winner, who is coming off a resurgent last season in the Premier League.
Galaxy frustrated by discovery rights dispute
The deal is not without complications, as LA Galaxy currently own the “discovery rights” to the midfielder. Under MLS regulations, the Galaxy has the right of first refusal to negotiate with the player, and the club had hoped to convince Casemiro to move to California. Reports suggest that the Galaxy held numerous conversations with the player’s representatives and submitted multiple contract offers.
This mechanism is designed to prevent MLS teams from raising prices by competing against each other for the same international goals. However, Casemiro’s insistence on joining Miami has led to a confrontation. If a deal is to be made, Miami will likely have to compensate the Galaxy, similar to how Los Angeles paid Charlotte FC $400,000 for the rights to sign Marco Reus two seasons ago.
Payroll gymnastics and Jordi Alba’s model
A major obstacle for the Herons is the lack of an open Designated Player (DP) slot. With Messi and others filling those positions, Casemiro’s starting salary would have to be below the $2 million threshold for the current season. To avoid this, Miami is expected to follow the plan used to sign Jordi Alba in 2023, using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) before eventually elevating him to DP status.
The club would likely structure the deal with a non-guaranteed option that results in a salary increase once roster space becomes available. This financial creativity is a hallmark of Miami’s front office, which remains desperate to bolster the team after a tumultuous campaign that saw the departure of head coach Javier Mascherano earlier this season.
A decorated legend heads to the World Cup
Casemiro will arrive in North America with one of the most decorated resumes in the history of modern football. During his iconic time at Real Madrid, he lifted the Champions League trophy five times and won three La Liga titles. His form has remained high as he scored nine goals in 33 starts for Manchester United last season, helping them secure a third-place finish and return to Europe’s elite competition.
Before putting on the pink shirt in Miami, Casemiro has international matters to attend to. He has been included in Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazilian squad for this summer’s World Cup, where he will look to add to his 84 caps. Once he completes his duties with the Selecao, the midfielder is expected to join Inter Miami, who currently have 28 points, as they look to defend their MLS Cup crown under interim coach Guillermo Hoyos.
