NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Inter Miami are reportedly close to completing a sensational deal to bring Casemiro to Major League Soccer following his departure from Manchester United.
The legendary Brazilian midfielder has reportedly chosen South Florida as his preferred destination, paving the way for a tantalizing reunion with several former rivals and friends in the United States.
Inter Miami wins race for Casemiro
The Manchester United veteran has made his decision. After leaving Old Trafford in the summer, Casemiro has identified Inter Miami as his next home. Athletics reports that while several options were on the table, the 34-year-old is determined to move to Vice City.
The move would see the Brazil international join a star-studded roster that already includes Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and German Berterame. Despite worldwide interest, the lure of Miami’s ambitious MLS project proved too strong for the five-time Champions League winner, who is coming off a resurgent final season in the Premier League.
Galaxy frustrated by dispute over discovery rights
The deal is not without complications, as the LA Galaxy currently own the midfielder’s “discovery rights.” According to MLS regulations, the Galaxy has the priority right to negotiate with the player, and the club hoped to convince Casemiro to move to California. Reports suggest that the Galaxy have had numerous conversations with the player’s representatives and submitted several contract offers.
This mechanism aims to prevent MLS teams from driving up prices by bidding against each other for the same international targets. However, Casemiro’s insistence on joining Miami caused an impasse. If a deal is to be finalized, Miami will likely have to compensate the Galaxy, similar to how Los Angeles paid Charlotte FC $400,000 for the signing rights to Marco Reus two seasons ago.
Jordi Alba’s roster gymnastics and plan
One of the biggest obstacles for the Herons is their lack of an open Designated Player (DP) slot. With Messi and others occupying these positions, Casemiro’s starting salary is expected to be below the $2 million threshold for the current season. To get around this, Miami should follow the model used to sign Jordi Alba in 2023, using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) before ultimately elevating him to DP status.
The club would likely structure the deal with a non-guaranteed option that would trigger a salary increase once a roster space becomes available. This financial creativity is a hallmark of Miami’s front office, which is desperate to strengthen the team after a tumultuous campaign that saw the departure of head coach Javier Mascherano earlier this season.
Decorated legend heads to the World Cup
Casemiro will arrive in North America with one of the most decorated CVs in modern football history. During his iconic time at Real Madrid, he won the Champions League trophy five times and won three La Liga titles. His form has remained high, as he scored nine goals in 33 starts for Manchester United last season, helping them secure a third place finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition.
Before putting on the pink shirt in Miami, Casemiro must take care of international affairs. He has been named in Carlo Ancelotti’s latest Brazil squad for this summer’s World Cup, where he will look to add to his 84 caps. Once his duties with the Selecao are complete, the midfielder is expected to join an Inter Miami side that currently sits on 28 points as they look to defend their MLS Cup crown under interim boss Guillermo Hoyos.
