The Athletic reported on Wednesday that Inter Miami are closing in on an agreement to sign Casemiro on a free transfer, with the club co-owned by David Beckham understood to be the player's clear destination of choice.
Casemiro announced in January that he would not be extending his Manchester United contract and bid an emotional farewell to Old Trafford last Sunday in the 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest, receiving a framed shirt and addressing the crowd at full time.
The complication is a structural one. LA Galaxy hold discovery rights to Casemiro — a rule in Major League Soccer that gives clubs priority to negotiate with specific players before any rival franchise can formally enter discussions. Galaxy have already submitted multiple contract offers to the midfielder and those rights would give them priority in any formal negotiation process.
Both Galaxy and Inter Miami are also reported to lack a designated player slot, which is required to accommodate a player of Casemiro's wage level under MLS's salary cap rules. Resolving that constraint — either through a slot opening up via an existing player's departure or through compensation being paid for the discovery rights — is the key remaining obstacle.
Discovery rights disputes in MLS have previously been settled through compensation payments between clubs. Inter Miami have strong financial resources and motivation to pursue the deal, given Beckham's ambitions for the franchise and their ongoing desire to sign high-profile names following Lionel Messi's eventual departure.
Casemiro joined United from Real Madrid in August 2022 for £70m and made 161 appearances across four seasons, winning two trophies. He retires from European club football having won five Champions League titles, as well as a World Cup with Brazil in 2022.