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Inter Miami close in on Casemiro as Saudi Arabia snubbed

ยทBy Junior Yekini
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Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is edging closer to joining Inter Miami this summer, with the Brazilian understood to be turning down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia in favour of a move to Major League Soccer.

The 34-year-old confirmed his Manchester United exit in January and will leave as a free agent when his contract expires at the end of the season, with United opting not to activate an extension clause in his deal.

Casemiro has received approaches from Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, but has little appetite for a move to the Middle East and is understood to prefer life in the United States for himself and his family.

David Beckham's Inter Miami have held talks with Casemiro's representatives and submitted an initial proposal, with reports in Brazil suggesting the two parties have reached a verbal agreement on a deal that would see him remain in Florida until at least 2028.

The move would reunite Casemiro with Lionel Messi, who signed a contract extension with the club last October keeping him at the Herons until 2028. Beckham used his influence to lure the Argentine to Inter Miami in 2023 and is now targeting a similar coup in the transfer market.

Casemiro has been in fine form under interim United manager Michael Carrick, who replaced Ruben Amorim in January, contributing ten goal involvements in the Premier League this season as United push for Champions League qualification.

Despite his resurgence, both the player and club have maintained that his departure is a done deal.

"The announcement is made and done," Casemiro told The Athletic. "The affection the fans have shown me is huge, but I do really believe the decision is made."

United are already identifying replacements, with Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson among those on their shortlist. Casemiro, who has won 84 international caps and 21 major trophies across his career, departs having served four seasons at Old Trafford.