Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is close to completing a move to Inter Miami, with the proposed transfer now approaching its final stages. According to ESPN, discussions between the player and the Major League Soccer (MLS) club are at an advanced phase, and the process of finalising an agreement is nearly complete.
Casemiro is currently under contract with Manchester United, but his deal is set to expire on 30 June. He had already indicated in January that he could leave the club, paving the way for a departure as a free agent. This contractual situation has created the opportunity for him to join MLS without a transfer fee.
It is understood that the move could take place during the league’s second transfer window, allowing the 34-year-old to link up with Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi is currently playing. Earlier, The Athletic had reported on the possibility of this transfer, noting growing interest in the experienced defensive midfielder.
Casemiro, who previously played for Real Madrid, has also attracted attention from other clubs. Among them are LA Galaxy in the United States and Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad. However, according to the available information, Inter Miami has been the player’s preferred destination.
Despite the progress in negotiations, several regulatory challenges must be addressed before the deal can be completed. MLS rules stipulate that each club may register a maximum of three ‘Designated Players’, whose salaries fall outside the league’s standard cap structure. At present, Inter Miami’s three designated player slots are occupied by Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Jordi Alba. As a result, the club may need to adjust its squad or financial arrangements to accommodate Casemiro within league regulations.
Another complication involves the MLS ‘discovery rights’ system. Under this rule, the first club to formally register interest in a player is granted priority in negotiations. In this case, LA Galaxy reportedly hold Casemiro’s discovery rights. Consequently, Inter Miami would need to acquire those rights from Galaxy in order to proceed with the signing.
The key details surrounding the potential transfer are summarised below:
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Casemiro |
| Age | 34 |
| Current Club | Manchester United |
| Contract Expiry | 30 June |
| Potential Club | Inter Miami |
| Other Interested Clubs | LA Galaxy, Al-Ittihad |
| Key Obstacles | Designated Player limit, Discovery rights |
| Possible Timing | MLS second transfer window |
If all regulatory and contractual matters are resolved, Casemiro could join Inter Miami and feature alongside Lionel Messi. For now, however, his immediate focus remains on international duty, with the Brazilian midfielder aiming to retain his place in the national squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup and contribute to the team’s objectives.