Miami secures Casemiro amid investigation
Inter Miami has signed Brazil midfielder Casemiro, formerly of Manchester United, on a deal extending to the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to prolong it until June 2029. The 34-year-old joined the club on a free transfer after his departure from Old Trafford.
However, Major League Soccer (MLS) has initiated an investigation into allegations of tampering against Inter Miami concerning the acquisition. The league stated it is “reviewing a tampering allegation” and gathering relevant information, withholding further comment until the review concludes.
The investigation focuses on Casemiro’s discovery rights, an MLS regulation granting a specific club first refusal over a player interested in joining the league. Los Angeles Galaxy initially held these rights for Casemiro.
Both Inter Miami and LA Galaxy have confirmed a settlement was reached for the discovery priority to sign Casemiro. The terms of this settlement are expected to be released once the tampering investigation is complete.
Discovery rights and previous probes
Under MLS rules, clubs must negotiate discovery rights with any team that previously listed a player before signing them outside of the draft or free agency. While a club can hold rights for up to five players, these rights can be transferred between clubs through agreements.
Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham expressed his delight at the signing, stating that Casemiro is a “winner who has achieved so much in the game.” Casemiro himself commented that what motivates him most is “winning and continuing to grow,” and he is grateful for the project presented by the club.
This is not the first instance of Inter Miami being investigated over transfer dealings. In 2021, the club faced a $2m fine for violating MLS rules related to the signing of France midfielder Blaise Matuidi from Juventus. The league found that Matuidi had been paid more than permitted, effectively giving the team four “designated players” instead of 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.
Casemiro’s career and Miami’s squad
Casemiro announced in January that he would leave Manchester United at the end of the 2026-27 season following a mutual decision not to renew his contract. He spent four years at Old Trafford, making 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals, and providing 14 assists.
During his time at 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 United in 2022, Casemiro won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
At Inter Miami, Casemiro is set to join former Real Madrid and Manchester United team-mate Sergio Reguilon, as well as Argentina’s World Cup finalists Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul. Casemiro played for Brazil as they reached the last 16 at this summer’s World Cup.
In the wake of Casemiro’s departure, Manchester United has focused on midfield reinforcements, acquiring Andrey Santos for £50m from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans for £35m from Aston Villa.
Casemiro’s contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2027 MLS campaign.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”