Tom Weber
David Beckham, Casemiro, Inter Miami
© IMAGO
Inter Miami and the LA Galaxy are interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Casemiro this summer.
The Brazilian has announced that he will depart Old Trafford after the conclusion of the European season. Casemiro and Man Utd agreed to part ways, despite the player having a one-year extension in his contract that would have been triggered had he made 35 starts this term.
The 34-year-old's departure had been expected even before his official announcement, and speculation surrounding his future has been rampant. Clubs from his native Brazil, Portugal, Saudi Arabia and elsewhere have been linked.
Back in February, Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami were also associated with the former Real Madrid superstar. At the time, it seemed somewhat far-fetched, given that the Herons do not have the roster flexibility to sign a player of his calibre, unless he takes a huge pay cut.
However, The Athletic has now confirmed that there is genuine interest from David Beckham and Lionel Messi's club. It is, however, acknowledged that "salary cap magic" would be required to sign him.
The Galaxy also want Casemiro
In addition to Messi, Miami's other two Designated Player spots are currently occupied by Rodrigo de Paul and German Berterame, both of whom were only signed this offseason and both of whom are likely on salaries that make it impossible to buy down their contracts.
One of them would therefore have to be sold, or Casemiro would have to agree not to be a DP, which would necessitate a gigantic reduction of his current €27 million ($32m) per year earnings.
Casemiro
© IMAGO - Casemiro
Besides Miami, the LA Galaxy are also credited with an interest in the 34-year-old. The Californians actually have four DPs on their books currently due to Riqui Puig being on the season-ending injury list, but they will have more roster flexibility ahead of 2027.
Joao Klauss, currently one of their DPs, is out of contract at the end of the year, and his deal could also technically be bought down this summer to make room for Casemiro. However, they would still have to make more roster moves ahead of Puig's return next year.
At this stage, it is unclear whether a move to MLS even appeals to Casemiro. His boyhood club Sao Paulo have also been linked with him in recent months and may be a more attractive option to the Brazil captain.
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