Inter Miami has announced the signing of former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro. The agreement is set to run until the conclusion of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to extend the deal until June 2029. However, Major League Soccer (MLS) is currently investigating allegations of tampering concerning the transfer.
The league released a statement indicating it is “reviewing a tampering allegation” against Inter Miami CF. The investigation is focused on Casemiro’s discovery rights, an MLS regulation that grants a specific club the first opportunity to sign a player if they wish to join the league. While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for these discovery rights, the terms of this agreement will be disclosed after the tampering investigation concludes.
Investigation into Discovery Rights
The discovery process is a key mechanism for major player acquisitions from outside the MLS. Each team can maintain a list of up to five players for whom they hold priority to sign. Clubs can transfer these discovery rights to other teams, allowing the acquiring club to negotiate with the player. Reports indicate that the LA Galaxy initially held the discovery rights for Casemiro, and Inter Miami stated they acquired these rights from the Galaxy.
The MLS has not specified whether the tampering allegations relate to direct negotiations Inter Miami might have had with Casemiro before securing his discovery rights, or if the focus is on the acquisition of the discovery rights themselves.
Casemiro’s Career and New Chapter
Casemiro, a Brazil international, recently concluded a four-season tenure at Manchester United. He announced in January that he would depart Old Trafford at the end of the 2026-27 season following a mutual decision not to renew his contract. During his time at United, he made 160 appearances, scored 26 goals, and provided 14 assists, contributing to one EFL Cup victory and one FA Cup win.
Before joining Manchester United in 2022, Casemiro achieved significant success with Real Madrid, winning five Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns, and a Copa del Rey. He also represented Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, where the team reached the last 16.
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.”
Inter Miami’s Roster and Past Investigations
At Inter Miami, Casemiro is set to join former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Sergio Reguilon, as well as Argentina’s World Cup finalists Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul. The club is defending its 2025 MLS Cup title.
This is not the first instance of Inter Miami being investigated for 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” instead of the allowed three. The “Beckham rule,” introduced when David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy in 2007, allows for designated players whose wages do not count towards the MLS salary cap.
Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham commented on Casemiro’s arrival, 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.”
Midfield Reinforcements for Manchester United
Following Casemiro’s departure, Manchester United has focused on strengthening its midfield. The club has acquired Andrey Santos for £50m from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans for £35m from Aston Villa during the current transfer window.
Casemiro’s contract with Manchester United, which he signed in August 2022, included an option for a 12-month extension. However, the club decided not to exercise this option or renew his contract, a decision made before the end of the season.
Looking Ahead
The MLS investigation into Inter Miami’s acquisition of Casemiro is ongoing, with the league gathering all relevant information before making further comments. The terms of the settlement between Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy for Casemiro’s discovery priority will be released upon the conclusion of the tampering investigation.
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Source: bbc.com
Daniel Fairbrother is the Senior Football Correspondent at Latest News UK, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with over a decade of reporting experience. He spent eight years on the football desk of a Yorkshire daily before moving into national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Leeds, he watches non-league football and runs a five-a-side league. “The best football stories are won in the week, not on the whistle.”