Casemiro has completed a free‑transfer move to Inter Miami after parting ways with Manchester United. The Brazilian midfielder has agreed to a contract that runs through the conclusion of the 2027 MLS season, with an additional clause that could see the deal extended as far as 2029 if both parties choose to exercise the option. While the signing appears to be a major coup for the Florida‑based club, Major League Soccer has announced that it is opening an inquiry into possible "tampering" related to the transfer, a matter that could ultimately affect the legitimacy of the agreement. During his four‑year spell at Old Trafford, Casemiro made a significant impact.
He scored in the 2023 League Cup final, helped the team reach two FA Cup finals – winning the trophy in 2024 – and was part of the side that contested the Europa League final in May 2025. His tenure at United was marked by a resurgence in form over the last 18 months, after initially falling out of favour under former head coach Rubén Amorim. When Michael Carrick took over the reins, Casemiro found his rhythm again, netting nine goals in his final season, including five strikes in just 15 appearances under Carrick’s guidance.
After the announcement of his move, the Brazilian expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge. "What drives me 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," Casemiro 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." Casemiro originally joined Manchester United in August 2022 on a contract that included an option for a further 12‑month extension at the end of the season. According to Sky Sports News, United elected not to trigger that clause and chose not to renew his contract, a decision that was reportedly made well before the season concluded. This paved the way for the midfielder to explore free‑agency opportunities, ultimately leading to his agreement with Inter Miami.
The MLS investigation centers on allegations that Inter Miami may have engaged in improper contact with Casemiro before the official start of the transfer window, a practice known as tampering. In a statement released shortly after the signing was announced, the league said it had launched a formal review, would gather all relevant information, and would refrain from further comment until the investigation was complete. The league also confirmed that Inter Miami and LA Galaxy had reached a settlement concerning Casemiro's Discovery Priority rights, but noted that the details of that settlement would be disclosed only after the tampering probe concludes. Under MLS rules, any club that wishes to sign a player who has previously been listed on another team's discovery list must first negotiate those rights.
LA Galaxy held Casemiro's discovery rights before the midfielder opted to join Inter Miami, prompting the two clubs to negotiate a settlement. While the exact terms remain confidential, the agreement was described as a settlement that would satisfy the Galaxy's claim, allowing Miami to finalize the signing.
The league has not outlined what penalties, if any, could be imposed on Inter Miami should the investigation find evidence of wrongdoing, nor has it provided a timeline for when the review might be wrapped up. This uncertainty adds an element of suspense to what is already a high‑profile acquisition for the club, which is hoping the veteran midfielder can bring experience, leadership, and a winning mentality to a squad that has been building its profile in the United States. Inter Miami's own statement emphasized that the club had legally acquired the discovery rights from LA Galaxy as part of the overall deal. LA Galaxy, for its part, posted on the social media platform X that it had "reached a settlement for the Discovery priority to sign Casemiro, and the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation currently open with Major League Soccer." Both parties appear eager to move past the controversy and focus on the on‑field implications of adding a player of Casemiro's calibre.
Beyond the immediate drama, Casemiro's arrival could have broader ramifications for MLS and its approach to high‑profile signings. The league has increasingly looked to attract internationally recognised talent to raise its global standing, and the presence of a World Cup‑winning midfielder adds considerable cachet. However, the tampering allegations also highlight the complexities of MLS's unique roster rules, including discovery rights, allocation money, and salary caps, which can sometimes create friction when clubs compete for the same player.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is already reshaping its midfield roster. The Red Devils have added Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer and are reportedly still on the hunt for a third midfielder to bolster depth. The departure of Casemiro frees up a valuable slot in the squad and salary budget, allowing United to pursue further targets in the upcoming transfer windows. In other news, Alex Scott, a promising midfielder for Bournemouth, has turned down a new contract despite interest from Premier League heavyweights Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, according to Sky Sports News.
Bournemouth, unwilling to sell the player, have made several offers, but the midfielder appears content to see out the final two years of his current deal. The club expects him to remain a key figure this season, regardless of whether he signs a fresh contract or continues on his existing terms.
Overall, Casemiro's move to Inter Miami represents a significant moment for both the player and the league. If the tampering investigation concludes without major sanctions, Miami will have secured a marquee signing that could boost ticket sales, viewership, and on‑field performance.
Conversely, any punitive measures could set a precedent for how MLS handles future high‑profile transfers, potentially prompting clubs to be more cautious in their negotiations. As the review proceeds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this saga unfolds and what it means for the future of player movement within American soccer.