Casemiro will be looking for a new club ahead of the 2026/27 season
Casemiro will be looking for a new club ahead of the 2026/27 season (Image: Getty Images)
Several weeks have passed since Manchester United announced that Casemiro would be leaving the club at the end of the season and there are no indications of that changing. His deal runs out in the summer and he will be allowed to depart on a free transfer, with several clubs expressing interest.
There has, nevertheless, been a significant development concerning what happens before then. United have inserted a clause whereby Casemiro will be eligible to feature in all of their remaining fixtures without activating an automatic contract extension. Had he featured from the start in 35 matches and not consented to the clause, the former Real Madrid midfielder would have automatically prolonged his stay by a further year.
Casemiro has been based in Europe since joining Real Madrid from Sao Paulo in 2013 but his next destination could very well take him to a different continent. Here's a look at some of the possibilities available to him...
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Inter Miami
The conclusion of the 2025 season represented a period of change for Inter Miami. They secured their maiden MLS Cup but also bid farewell to two seasoned figures with the retirement of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
They have already secured their Alba replacement in the shape of Sergio Reguilon, whose signing was confirmed before the new year.
They could also benefit from a fresh central midfielder to fill Busquets' void, though, so it is perhaps unsurprising that ESPN identify them as one of three clubs pursuing Casemiro.
Nevertheless, this is made complex by the Designated Player (DP) rule, which permits clubs just three such players outside the salary cap.
Miami already possess three - Lionel Messi, Rodrigo de Paul and new arrival German Berterame - with The Athletic highlighting that Casemiro would probably need to accept a substantial wage reduction if he wishes to join.
The veteran midfielder won't be short of interest in the summer window
The veteran midfielder won't be short of interest in the summer window (Image: Getty)
LA Galaxy
Over in Los Angeles, David Beckham's former club could capitalise on a challenging predicament to bring in Casemiro.
They too have their three DP slots occupied, however one of those players — former Barcelona star Riqui Puig — will miss the entirety of the 2026 season following knee surgery.
There is already a considerable Brazilian presence at the club. Former Vasco Da Gama star Gabriel Pec earned a place in the MLS All Star team during his debut season after registering 16 goals and 14 assists, while new striker Joao Klauss has scored five goals in as many matches since arriving from St Louis.
Should they secure an experienced figure such as Casemiro alongside fellow high-profile signing Marco Reus, they may well be able to turn their fortunes around.
Al-Ittihad
A switch to Saudi Arabia has been mooted previously, though which club remained another matter entirely. Now, however, Al-Ittihad appear to be the most prominent candidates.
The Jeddah outfit, who have also been linked with Mohamed Salah, could lose central midfielder Fabinho when his contract concludes in the summer.
Even if former Liverpool star Fabinho ultimately agrees fresh terms, the mid-season departures of N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema leave them seeking reinforcements.
Al-Ittihad currently occupy sixth position in the Saudi Pro League and appear destined to fall short of AFC Champions League Elite qualification, despite having already secured their place in this season's knockout rounds.
A lengthy multi-year contract for their next high-profile acquisition could well provide the building blocks needed to propel them back amongst the elite.
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