Casemiro joins Inter Miami as free agent: Brazilian midfielder links up with Messi in MLS

Inter Miami have completed the signing of experienced Brazilian midfielder Casemiro on a free transfer, adding another high-profile name to their already star-studded roster.

The 34-year-old arrives after his Manchester United contract expired at the end of June. He will stay with the South Florida club through the 2027 Major League Soccer season, with an option to extend the deal until June 2029.

From Old Trafford to Miami

Casemiro announced his decision to leave Manchester United back in January. The former Real Madrid star spent four seasons in the Premier League after joining United from the Spanish giants in 2022.

Now he turns the page and heads to MLS, where he will share the dressing room with Lionel Messi and other established names.

“What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow. The project the Club presented to me, along with the effort everyone made to bring me here, means a lot to me,” Casemiro said in a statement to club media.

“I am incredibly grateful, and I can’t wait to get started so I can repay that trust, not only during the 90 minutes on matchday, but every day in training as well.

“All I can say is thank you, and I’ll give everything I have to return the affection and confidence the Club has shown me.”

Not a designated player

Interestingly, Casemiro will not take up one of Inter Miami’s three Designated Player spots. Those positions are already filled by Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and German Berterame.

This means the club can still keep financial flexibility under MLS rules while adding a proven midfield leader.

Discovery rights and tampering claim

Notably, both Inter Miami and the LA Galaxy reached out to Casemiro’s camp in March.

Inter Miami later acquired Casemiro’s discovery rights from the Galaxy. However, the league is still looking into tampering allegations after the Galaxy filed a formal claim.

“While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the Discovery Priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation,” an MLS statement confirmed.

Fresh off World Cup duty

Casemiro joins Miami after representing Brazil at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Selecao reached the round of 16 before a narrow 2-1 defeat to Norway ended their campaign.

The midfielder’s experience and leadership will be valuable as Inter Miami push for silverware in the coming seasons.

With Messi still the face of the franchise and players like De Paul already in place, Casemiro’s arrival strengthens the midfield and brings more Champions League and World Cup pedigree to the MLS.