Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has reached a full verbal agreement to join Inter Miami CF on a free transfer, according to an exclusive report from football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The 34-year-old defensive general will officially link up with his former El Clásico rival Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer (MLS) after bringing his tenure at Manchester United to a close, as reported by 101 Great Goals.
Romano issued his trademark “here we go” confirmation, noting that while the structural parameters and personal terms have been completely resolved, the final official statement will be finalized as soon as the formal contract signing is completed, according to FootballTransfers.
The veteran midfielder’s choice to move to Florida stems from a long-standing desire to play alongside Messi, a plan that Inter Miami’s hierarchy has been quietly constructing behind the scenes, according to FootballTransfers and Arise TV. Casemiro reportedly prioritized David Beckham’s MLS project over competing financial offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Europe, according to Instagram.
The acquisition comes at a crucial structural juncture for the MLS club. Following the retirement of Sergio Busquets, the Herons have actively hunted for an elite anchor to stabilize their midfield engine room, according to FootballTransfers. Club officials view Casemiro’s world-class experience—including his five UEFA Champions League trophies—as the ideal defensive counter-weight to protect Messi and unlock the team’s transition play, according to 101 Great Goals and Facebook.
Casemiro’s move comes after Manchester United elected not to trigger a one-year extension in his contract, allowing him to leave Old Trafford as a free agent when his deal officially expires on June 30, according to 101 Great Goals and Yahoo Sports. Despite initial structural struggles under earlier tactical frameworks, the Brazilian enjoyed a strong resurgence in form during the final months of the English season under interim manager Michael Carrick, anchoring the midfield alongside Kobbie Mainoo to successfully secure UEFA Champions League qualification, according to Yahoo Sports.
The transfer is expected to be finalized immediately following the conclusion of the ongoing FIFA World Cup, where Casemiro is currently starting for the Brazilian national team, according to Daily Post Nigeria.
The financial and roster implications of Inter Miami’s latest blockbuster acquisition reflect a massive shift in their salary structure:
- Transfer Fee: €0 (Free agent signing)
- Age: 34 years old
- Manchester United Contract Expiry: June 30
- Projected MLS Contract Duration: 3-year deal
