Inter Miami signs Casemiro amid MLS investigation
Inter Miami has signed Brazil midfielder Casemiro, formerly of Manchester United, on a deal that extends until the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to prolong it until June 2029. The club announced the signing of the 34-year-old, who left Manchester United at the end of last season.
However, Major League Soccer (MLS) has initiated an investigation into allegations of tampering against Inter Miami concerning the acquisition of Casemiro. The league released a statement indicating it is “reviewing a tampering allegation” and gathering all relevant information, refraining from further comment until the review is complete.
The investigation focuses on Casemiro’s discovery rights, an MLS regulation that grants a specific club first refusal over a player interested in joining the league. Los Angeles Galaxy held these discovery rights for Casemiro. Inter Miami stated that they acquired these rights from the Galaxy as part of the deal.
LA Galaxy confirmed a settlement had been reached with Inter Miami for the discovery priority to sign Casemiro. The terms of this settlement are expected to be released once the tampering investigation concludes.
Casemiro’s career and move to Miami
Casemiro announced in January that he would depart Old Trafford at the end of the 2026-27 season, a mutual decision not to renew his contract. He spent four years at Manchester United, making 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals, and providing 14 assists. During his time with United, he won one EFL Cup and one FA Cup. He also scored in the League Cup final victory in 2023 and reached the Europa League final in May 2025.
Before joining Manchester United in 2022, Casemiro won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid. He also played for Brazil, reaching the last 16 at this summer’s World Cup. Casemiro expressed his motivation, stating, “What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow.”
At Inter Miami, Casemiro is set to join former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Sergio Reguilon, as well as Argentina World Cup finalists Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul. Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham commented on the signing, stating, “He is a winner who has achieved so much in the game and after such an incredible career with Real Madrid and Manchester United I’m delighted that he’s decided to make Miami his next home.”
Previous investigations and squad changes
This is not the first instance of Inter Miami being investigated over transfer dealings. In 2021, the club was fined $2m for violating MLS rules during the signing of France midfielder Blaise Matuidi from Juventus the previous year. The MLS determined that Matuidi had been paid more than permitted, effectively giving the team four “designated players” rather than the allowed three. The “Beckham rule,” introduced when the former England captain joined Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, allows for designated players whose wages do not count towards the MLS salary cap.
In the wake of Casemiro’s departure, Manchester United has focused on strengthening its midfield. The club has acquired Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m. Reports indicate that United may still be looking for a third midfielder.
The MLS investigation into Inter Miami is ongoing, with the league gathering information and refraining from further comment until the review is complete.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”