The curtain falls this summer on Casemiro’s Manchester United chapter, and two of America’s most glamorous clubs already position themselves near the exit door. Inter Miami and LA Galaxy both reportedly want the Brazilian midfielder, according to The Athletic. However, financial restrictions in Major League Soccer make the prospect considerably thornier than it first appears.
A season of redemption before the farewell
Casemiro has answered his doubters emphatically in 2025/26. He registered seven goals and two assists across the Premier League campaign so far, accumulating 2,147 minutes with an average FotMob rating of 7.29. Those numbers tell a story of a player who refused to drift quietly towards the exit. His physical strength and relentless pressing remain genuine assets at 34, and his reading of midfield danger continues to spare United on numerous occasions.
The Brazilian midfielder’s passing accuracy of 78 per cent, however, points to a recurring weakness: when opponents press him high, he struggles to circulate the ball with the composure his position demands. Manchester United officially announced his departure in January 2026, citing a mutual decision, partly driven by the club’s financial sustainability objectives.
The MLS puzzle and its missing pieces for the Manchester United veteran
The attraction for Miami and the Galaxy carries obvious logic. Casemiro spent years at Real Madrid winning five Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns, and three FIFA Club World Cups, making him precisely the marquee profile MLS actively courts. Galaxy lost Riqui Puig to a second ACL injury in consecutive seasons, leaving a significant hole in their midfield engine room. Miami, meanwhile, never truly replaced Sergio Busquets following his retirement in December, and the gap in their defensive midfield remains visible across multiple matches.
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However, the structural hurdle proves stubborn. Neither club currently hold a free Designated Player slot, meaning neither can offer wages that reflect a career of Casemiro’s magnitude. Miami commit their three DP spots to Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and German Berterame on long-term deals, while the Galaxy do not free up a slot until 2027. Casemiro, therefore, faces a stark choice: accept a significant short-term pay reduction or explore alternatives elsewhere.