Casemiro joins Inter Miami and MLS announces opening of investigation

American club Inter Miami announced its official signing of Casemiro on a free transfer, so the Brazilian midfield star will play alongside Argentine Lionel Messi, after they faced each other several times in the Real Madrid and Barcelona Clásico.

Inter Miami confirmed in an official statement on Wednesday that Casemiro signed a contract extending until the end of the 2027 season, with an option to extend the contract until June 2029, and that the player will become ready to participate after completing the procedures to obtain a work visa.

Casemiro, 34, had left Manchester United after the end of his contract at the end of last season, and it was expected that he would join Inter Miami after the 2026 World Cup.

The Brazilian international expressed his happiness at embarking on this new experience, confirming that his ambition to win more titles was the most prominent factor behind his decision.

Casemiro said in statements to his new club's website: "What always motivates me is winning and continuing to develop. The project that the club presented to me, and the efforts made to complete the deal, mean a lot to me."

He added: "I am very grateful for this trust, and I look forward to repaying it on and off the field, whether in matches or during daily training. I will give everything I have for the club and its fans."

Casemiro arrives in the American league after an exceptional career, starting with Brazilian São Paulo, before moving to Real Madrid in 2013, where he became one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

During 8 seasons with the royal club, he played 336 matches, scoring 31 goals and providing 29 assists, and contributed to winning 18 titles, most notably 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 3 Spanish League titles, and 3 FIFA Club World Cups.

In 2022, he moved to Manchester United, where he played 160 matches, scoring 26 goals and assisting 14 others, and contributed to winning the FA Cup and the English League Cup.

At the international level, Casemiro played 91 matches for the Brazilian national team, won the 2019 Copa América, and also participated in the 2018, 2022, and 2026 World Cups, playing all of Brazil's matches in the 2026 World Cup, scoring a goal in the round of 32 and assisting another in the round of 16.

Major League Soccer announces opening of investigation

Moments after the announcement, Major League Soccer (MLS) said in a statement: "We are reviewing allegations regarding a violation of the negotiation rules by Inter Miami."

MLS explained that the investigation relates to the 'discovery rights' in place in the American league, which clubs must obtain before beginning negotiations to sign certain prominent players.

Los Angeles Galaxy owned the discovery rights for Casemiro, and it is understood that they will receive compensation from Inter Miami.

The statement said: "MLS is gathering all relevant information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete."