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Casemiro and his camp have reportedly begun talks with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami over a possible free transfer for the Manchester United midfielder this coming summer.
The Brazilian international announced his intention to depart Old Trafford at the expiry of his current deal back in January. Despite passionate pleas from supporters captivated by his impressive performances this season, Casemiro has maintained that his choice to leave "is made and done." Where he heads next, however, remains very much up in the air.
Major League Soccer (MLS) has emerged as a frontrunner to secure the five-time Champions League winner once the English top-flight season wraps up in May. LA Galaxy have been frequently mentioned as interested parties, but Inter Miami now appear to be at the head of the queue.
The reigning MLS Cup holders are "really serious" about bringing Casemiro on board, Fabrizio Romano reports. Miami are believed to have already initiated discussions over the terms of an agreement that will require no involvement from Manchester United, as their midfield lynchpin will be a free agent by the end of June.
That leaves Miami to hammer out an appropriate salary — and potentially a signing-on fee — with Casemiro. Though that may prove more challenging than it sounds.
Can Inter Miami Afford Casemiro?
While Miami's pursuit of Casemiro has been confirmed, the club's financial ability to get such a deal over the line is far from straightforward.
MLS enforces tight salary restrictions, capping the overwhelming majority of players on each squad to a maximum annual wage of $803,125. Casemiro is said to earn $20 million per season at Manchester United.
Notable exceptions exist in the form of Designated Players (DPs), whose salaries fall outside the club's budget constraints. However, each team is permitted only three DPs at any given time, and Inter Miami have already filled all three spots for 2026.
Mexican forward Germán Berterame was brought in at the start of the year to join Messi and Rodrigo De Paul as the club's top earners, following the retirements of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
That might seem like a discouraging outlook for Miami's chances of landing Casemiro, but if any club can navigate the loopholes in MLS's rulebook — with the league's cooperation — it's Inter Miami.
De Paul was not initially a DP upon joining Miami in the summer of 2025, spending his opening six months on loan before securing that elevated status through a permanent transfer in January. Luis Suárez was persuaded to spend the last two years at the club without ever breaking into the top tier of earners. If there's a way to bring Casemiro to South Beach, Miami will find it.
Would Casemiro Join Inter Miami?
For a player who has built his career across stints at Brazilian giants São Paulo, Portuguese powerhouses Porto, and European football royalty in the shape of Real Madrid and Manchester United, a club established in 2018 would represent quite the cultural shift. Nonetheless, Casemiro is reportedly "keen" on making the move.
The "attraction" of Inter Miami for Casemiro is said to come down to three core factors:
Miami may have already fallen short of their continental ambitions in 2026, but this is clearly a club with lofty aspirations. Whether it's competing in the South American equivalent of the Champions League or forcing their way back onto the world stage at another Club World Cup, Miami can never be accused of lacking ambition.
After years spent in Messi's shadow at Real Madrid, it will make a welcome change for Casemiro to have the Argentine alongside him rather than against him. Miami also offers a different rhythm off the field, with Messi himself eager to highlight how refreshing the reduced pressures of MLS football have been after a career spent among Europe's finest.