Brazilian midfield stalwart Casemiro has completed a free‑transfer move to Inter Miami after parting ways with Manchester United. The 34‑year‑old’s new contract runs through the conclusion of the 2027 Major League Soccer season, with a club option that could extend his stay until 2029 if both parties choose to exercise it. While the signing marks a high‑profile addition for the South Florida club, Major League Soccer has opened an investigation into Inter Miami over alleged tampering, a matter that could potentially affect the legitimacy of the deal.
Casemiro arrived at Old Trafford in August 2022 and quickly became a key component of United’s midfield engine. During his four‑year tenure he helped the team lift the League Cup in 2023, scoring in the final, and featured in two FA Cup finals, finally securing the trophy in 2024. He also played a part in United’s run to the Europa League final in May 2025.
After a period of limited minutes early on, the Brazilian fought his way back into the starting eleven under former head coach Ruben Amorim and later thrived under Michael Carrick, netting nine goals in his final season, five of which came in just 15 appearances under Carrick’s guidance. When the announcement was made that Casemiro would be joining Inter Miami, the midfielder expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge.
“What drives me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow. The project the club presented to me, along with the effort everyone made to bring me here, means a lot to me,” he said. He added, “I’m incredibly grateful, and I can’t wait to get started so I can repay that trust, not only during the 90 minutes on matchday, but every day in training as well.
All I can say is thank you, and I’ll give everything I have to return the affection and confidence the club has shown me.” The move was facilitated by the MLS discovery rights system. Under league rules, any club that previously listed a player must have its discovery rights negotiated before that player can sign with another team outside of the draft or free‑agency mechanisms.
The LA Galaxy had held Casemiro’s discovery rights, and Inter Miami reportedly acquired those rights as part of a settlement with the Galaxy. MLS confirmed that a settlement had been reached, but indicated that the specific terms would be disclosed only after the tampering investigation concluded.
MLS’s statement said the league had launched a formal review, gathering all relevant information and refraining from further comment until the process is complete. The organization has not outlined potential penalties or a timeline for the inquiry, leaving the outcome uncertain. Both Inter Miami and the Galaxy have posted brief remarks on the matter, emphasizing that the settlement was reached and that details will be released once the league’s investigation is finished. Casemiro’s departure from Manchester United was confirmed earlier in the summer.
Although United held an option to extend his contract for an additional 12 months, Sky Sports reports that the club elected not to trigger that clause, a decision reportedly made well before the season’s end. The Red Devils have since bolstered their midfield options by signing Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, and are still searching for a third central midfielder to round out the squad.
The broader context of MLS’s tampering rules is worth noting. The discovery priority system is designed to prevent clubs from poaching players without compensating the team that originally identified them. When a club is found to have breached these regulations, penalties can range from fines to loss of draft picks, or even restrictions on future signings.
Because the investigation is still ongoing, it remains to be seen whether Inter Miami will face any sanctions or whether the settlement with the Galaxy will satisfy the league’s requirements. Beyond the administrative side, Casemiro’s arrival is expected to have a significant on‑field impact. Known for his defensive tenacity, tactical intelligence, and occasional goal‑scoring bursts, he brings a level of experience that could elevate Inter Miami’s competitiveness in both the regular season and the MLS Cup playoffs.
His presence also adds star power to a league that continues to attract high‑profile talent from Europe, reinforcing MLS’s ambition to become a destination for world‑class players in the latter stages of their careers. In addition to the Casemiro story, other transfer news circulated in the same period. Alex Scott, a promising midfielder at Bournemouth, reportedly turned down a new contract despite interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. Bournemouth, reluctant to lose the player, have made several offers but understand that Scott may be looking for a move abroad, especially after his recent involvement with the England squad in the United States ahead of the World Cup.
The club expects him to remain for the current season, whether under a renewed deal or his existing contract. Overall, Casemiro’s move to Inter Miami represents a major acquisition for the club and a fresh chapter for the Brazilian veteran. While the MLS tampering investigation adds a layer of uncertainty, the player’s statements suggest he is eager to contribute immediately and help the team achieve its ambitions. Fans can look forward to seeing how the midfielder adapts to the American game, integrates with his new teammates, and influences Inter Miami’s pursuit of silverware in the coming years.