Casemiro has joined Inter Miami on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United, bringing one of football’s most decorated midfielders to Major League Soccer. The Brazil international has signed a contract running through the end of the 2027 MLS season, with an option that could keep him in South Florida until 2029.
At 34, Casemiro arrives with vast experience at the highest level of European and international football, including multiple Champions League titles during his celebrated spell at Real Madrid. For Inter Miami, the move adds another major name and an elite defensive midfielder to a squad continuing to build around global ambition. Casemiro’s ability to break up play, control tempo and provide leadership could be particularly valuable in MLS, where Miami will be seeking consistency across league, cup and continental competition.
A grateful farewell to Manchester United
Casemiro spent four years at Manchester United after joining from Real Madrid in August 2022. His first campaign at Old Trafford included one of the defining moments of Erik ten Hag’s early reign: a goal in United’s 2023 League Cup final victory. He also reached two FA Cup finals with the Red Devils, lifting the trophy in 2024, and was part of the United squad that reached the Europa League final in May 2025. Although his time in England featured difficult periods, Casemiro enjoyed a resurgence over his final 18 months at the club.
Initially unfavoured by former head coach Ruben Amorim, the Brazilian fought his way back into the team and became increasingly influential. His final United season was his most productive in front of goal, as he scored nine times. Five of those goals came in 15 games under Michael Carrick, who replaced Amorim. Manchester United had an option to extend Casemiro’s contract by a further 12 months at the end of the season. However, the club chose not to activate that clause or offer a new deal, a decision understood to have been made well before the campaign concluded. United have since strengthened their midfield with the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while reports suggest the club remain in the market for another midfielder.
"I'll give everything I have"
Casemiro made clear that Inter Miami’s sporting project played a decisive role in his decision to move to MLS. "What motivates 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," Casemiro said after signing for Inter Miami.
He also promised a commitment extending beyond matchday performances. "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."
MLS investigates tampering allegations
The announcement of Casemiro’s arrival has been followed by an MLS investigation into allegations of tampering involving Inter Miami. Major League Soccer confirmed it is gathering relevant information and said it would not comment further until its review is complete. The league did not give a timetable for the investigation or specify what possible penalties, if any, could result.
The issue relates to MLS Discovery Priority rights. Under league rules, clubs must negotiate with a team that has previously listed a player before signing him outside the draft or free-agency system. LA Galaxy held the Discovery Priority rights for Casemiro before he chose Inter Miami. MLS has confirmed that Miami and the Galaxy reached a settlement over those rights, though the terms will not be released until the tampering investigation has concluded. Inter Miami stated that it acquired Casemiro’s discovery rights from the Galaxy as part of the agreement, while LA Galaxy also confirmed a settlement in a post on X.
Casemiro’s move now represents both a major sporting addition and an important test of Inter Miami’s growing influence. Whether his experience can translate into trophies in MLS may become one of the league’s most compelling stories in the seasons ahead.