Inter Miami signs Casemiro amid MLS investigation
Inter Miami has signed former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, but the acquisition has prompted an investigation by Major League Soccer (MLS) into allegations of tampering. The 34-year-old Brazil international joined the club on a deal extending to the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to prolong it until June 2029.
Immediately following Miami’s announcement of the signing, the MLS released a statement confirming it was “reviewing a tampering allegation” against the club. The league stated it is gathering all relevant information and would not comment further until the review is complete. This investigation concerns Casemiro’s discovery rights, a specific MLS regulation that grants a particular club the first opportunity to sign a player if they wish to join the league.
Los Angeles Galaxy initially held the discovery rights for Casemiro. However, Inter Miami stated that they had acquired these rights from the Galaxy as part of the transfer agreement. The Galaxy also confirmed a settlement had been reached for the discovery priority, with terms to be disclosed once the tampering investigation concludes.
Details of the transfer and prior club history
Casemiro joined Inter Miami as a free agent after a four-year tenure at Manchester United. He 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. During his time with United, he made 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists. His achievements at the club include winning one EFL Cup and one FA Cup. He scored in the League Cup final victory in 2023 and reached two FA Cup finals, winning the competition in 2024. He was also part of the United side that reached the Europa League final in May 2025.
Prior to his move to United in 2022, Casemiro had a distinguished career with Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns, and a Copa del Rey. He also represented Brazil, playing as they reached the last 16 at this summer’s World Cup.
Upon signing with Inter Miami, 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. The project the club presented to me, along with the effort everyone made to bring me here, means a lot to me.” He added his gratitude and eagerness to repay the club’s trust through his performance in training and on match days.
In the wake of Casemiro’s departure, Manchester United has focused on strengthening their midfield. The club acquired Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m. Reports suggest United may still be seeking a third midfielder.
Inter Miami’s history with transfer investigations
This is not the first instance of Inter Miami facing scrutiny over its transfer dealings. In 2021, the club was fined $2m after 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” instead of the allowed three. Designated players’ wages do not count towards the MLS salary cap, a rule known as the ‘Beckham rule’, introduced when co-owner Sir David Beckham joined Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.
At Inter Miami, Casemiro is set to join former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Sergio Reguilon. He will also play alongside Argentina‘s World Cup finalists Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul. Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas commented on the signing, stating that Casemiro “embodies everything this club stands for: leadership, a winning mentality, and an extraordinary track record at the highest level of the game.” Sir David Beckham also expressed his delight, noting Casemiro is a winner who has achieved much in the game and that he is pleased he chose Miami as his next home.
The MLS investigation did not specify whether the tampering charge relates to any direct negotiations Inter Miami may have had with Casemiro before acquiring his discovery rights, or if it primarily concerns the acquisition of those rights. The league has not indicated a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation or potential penalties.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
