The Brazilian midfielder announced in January that he would leave Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of June. He is 34 and has nine Premier League goals in 32 appearances this season. United held a one-year option to extend his deal but both parties agreed that this summer was the right moment to part ways.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed on 20 May that Inter Miami have been at the final stages of a deal for months, with verbal terms close to being finalised. Casemiro wanted to see out the season at Old Trafford before putting pen to paper.
ESPN Brazil report that the choice to move to MLS was deliberate rather than a fallback. Italian clubs approached him in recent weeks, and Saudi Arabia tabled what are described as astronomical financial offers. Manchester United also tried to convince him to remain. He said no to all of them.
The reasoning, according to those close to the player, is that Casemiro views MLS as a long-term career project. He has said publicly in recent interviews that he still feels physically strong and believes he can continue performing at a high level for several more years. A three-year contract in Miami fits that timeline while offering a less gruelling schedule than top European football.
One regulatory complication remains. MLS rules prohibit Inter Miami from opening negotiations without first dealing with LA Galaxy, who reportedly hold Casemiro's discovery rights in the league. Miami are also without a vacant Designated Player slot, with Messi, Rodrigo de Paul and German Berterame currently occupying all three. The club is described as "optimistic" about resolving both issues.
He will be available to sign during MLS's secondary transfer window, which runs from 13 July to 2 September.
Casemiro is also in the Brazil squad for the World Cup this summer.