Inter Miami have officially announced the signing of Brazilian Casemiro – but Major League Soccer quickly followed up by opening an investigation into the transfer.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is clubless, but the league has raised questions about possible “tampering” – i.e. illegal contact – in connection with the deal. Both the club and the league confirm that Miami secured Casemiro’s discovery rights from the LA Galaxy, but the terms have not been disclosed.
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“Major League Soccer is now reviewing an accusation of rule violations against Inter Miami CF,” the league said in a statement. “The league is collecting all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete.
A settlement with Galaxy will be made public when the investigation is over.
Timeline crucial in MLS investigation
The league has not specified whether the accusation relates to conversations Miami may have had directly with Casemiro before securing the rights, or the actual acquisition of those rights. According to the league’s rules, clubs have a right of first refusal on up to five players, and can trade with this priority – as the Galaxy did when they paid Charlotte $400,000 for Marco Reus in 2024.
One of the generation’s most winning players
Casemiro (34) is one of the most decorated players of all time, with five Champions League titles, three LaLiga golds, one Copa del Rey with Real Madrid – as well as the 2023/24 FA Cup with Manchester United.
Now he has signed a one-year contract that runs until 2027, with an option to extend through 2028/29. But before he can step on the field in Miami, the league must determine if the transfer is in line with the regulations.
Casemiro, the 34-year-old Brazilian midfield giant, is ready for Inter Miami after the Brazilian ended his time at Manchester United when his contract expired and he became a free agent.
The Florida club made the signing public through its official channels and confirmed that the international is now joining the project led by Leo Messi.
The transfer was made without a transfer fee, as the player arrived as a free agent. Although the club has not yet revealed contract length or salary details, Casemiro’s arrival is one of the heaviest names in the MLS summer window.
– Will give muscle to the midfield
The arrival of Casemiro is in line with Inter Miami’s ambitions to add experience to a squad that already has Leo Messi as the clear guiding star. The Brazilian comes after four seasons at Manchester United, where he secured one FA Cup and one Carabao Cup.
But it was at Real Madrid that Casemiro really became a world star. With five Champions League titles, he established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders of the generation – and it is precisely this experience that Inter Miami now hopes to take advantage of.
The club continues to build a squad that already consists of several profiles with a background in European top football. Leo Messi’s presence has been crucial for both sporting and commercial growth – and now he is joined by an old acquaintance from Champions League nights.
Finished at Manchester United
Casemiro’s farewell to Manchester United had been expected for weeks. His contract expired on June 30, giving him the freedom to negotiate with new clubs before finally accepting the offer from Miami.
Along the way, there was also interest from other destinations, but the choice fell on Inter Miami – and the opportunity to share a dressing room with Leo Messi.
Now the debut awaits
With the signing official, the next step is to integrate into the squad and become available to the coaching staff. Casemiro will immediately start training with Inter Miami, and all indications are that his debut could come in the next few weeks – once administrative formalities are in place, and he has found his rhythm with his teammates.
The addition of Casemiro expands the squad of Messi and co. – and gives the team a boost in their quest for both the MLS title and the remaining tournaments of the season.
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