Brazilian midfielder Casemiro is reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami ahead of his expected departure from Manchester United.
The 34-year-old has already confirmed he will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season. Signed from Real Madrid four years ago in a deal worth around £70 million including add-ons, Casemiro bid an emotional farewell to the stadium during his final home appearance at the weekend.
Inter Miami are said to be nearing a verbal agreement with the Brazilian midfielder, who would arrive as a free agent during Major League Soccer’s secondary transfer window, which runs from July 13 to September 2.
According to The Athletic, Inter Miami is Casemiro’s preferred destination, with the club “closing in” on securing his signature on a free transfer. However, a significant hurdle remains: LA Galaxy currently hold his MLS discovery rights, giving them priority to negotiate with the player.
Inter Miami also does not have a Designated Player slot available, as Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Germán Berterame currently occupy those positions.
Before any move can be completed, Inter Miami would need to negotiate with LA Galaxy to acquire Casemiro’s discovery rights.
Under MLS regulations, clubs can place up to five players on their discovery list at any time, granting them exclusive priority to open negotiations with those players. As it stands, LA Galaxy’s claim over Casemiro means Inter Miami cannot proceed with a signing unless an agreement is reached between both clubs.
