Inter Miami sign Casemiro as MLS investigates tampering allegations
Inter Miami has announced the signing of former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, but the move is currently under investigation by Major League Soccer (MLS) for alleged tampering. The Brazil international joins the club on a deal that extends until the end of the 2027 MLS campaign, with an option to prolong it until June 2029.
Shortly after the announcement, the MLS confirmed it was “reviewing a tampering allegation” against Inter Miami CF. The league stated it is gathering all relevant information and will not comment further until the review is complete. This investigation concerns Casemiro’s discovery rights, an MLS rule that grants a specific 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 they had acquired these rights from the Galaxy as part of the transfer agreement. The MLS announcement indicated that Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy had reached a settlement regarding the discovery priority, with the terms to be disclosed once the tampering investigation concludes.
This is not the first instance of Inter Miami being scrutinised over transfer dealings. In 2021, the club faced a $2m fine for violating MLS rules during the signing of France midfielder Blaise Matuidi in the previous year. The league determined that Matuidi had been paid more than permitted, effectively giving Inter Miami four “designated players” instead of the allowed three. Designated players’ wages do not count towards the MLS salary cap, a rule often referred to as the ‘Beckham rule’, established when Sir David Beckham joined Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.
Casemiro’s career and move to Miami
Casemiro, who is 34 years old, announced in January that he would leave Old Trafford at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, following a mutual decision not to renew his contract. He spent four years at Manchester United, making 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals, and providing 14 assists. During his tenure, he secured one EFL Cup and one FA Cup. He also scored in the League Cup final victory in 2023 and reached two FA Cup finals, winning the competition in 2024. Additionally, he was part of the United side that reached the Europa League final in May 2025.
Before his move to United in 2022, Casemiro enjoyed a highly successful period with Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns, and a Copa del Rey. He also represented Brazil at this summer’s World Cup, where the team reached the last 16.
Upon joining 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.” He added that the club’s project and the effort to bring him there meant a lot to him. Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham praised Casemiro, calling him “a winner who has achieved so much in the game.”
Impact on Inter Miami and Manchester United
At Inter Miami, Casemiro is set to reunite with former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Sergio Reguilon. He will also join Argentina’s World Cup finalists Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul. The team is defending its 2025 MLS Cup title win, with Casemiro considered one of the best midfielders of his generation.
In the wake of Casemiro’s departure, Manchester United has focused on strengthening its midfield during the current transfer window. The club has acquired Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50m and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m. United is reportedly still seeking a third midfielder to bolster their squad.
The MLS investigation into Inter Miami’s acquisition of Casemiro’s discovery rights is ongoing, with the league refraining from further comment until its review is complete.
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Source: bbc.com
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
