Casemiro made his debut for Inter Miami overnight in a 1-0 win over Montreal in MLS. However, the former Manchester United midfielder’s first appearance in the United States was marred by an injury so serious that his new teammate, German Bertelame, was brought to the pitch in an ambulance. The Brazil international announced his desire to leave United earlier this year and his contract is due to expire in the summer.
The 34-year-old made his last appearance for the Red Devils against Nottingham Forest in May, despite hopes from some supporters that Casemiro would change his mind. At the end of the season, Casemiro flew to America for the World Cup. His tournament ended in the round of 16, with Brazil losing 2-1 to Norway.
After a short break, the midfielder this week accepted a one-year contract with the David Beckham-owned club, with an option to extend his term until 2029. Shortly after the deal was confirmed, MLS revealed it was investigating the transfer.
The investigation focuses on Mr. Casemiro’s “right of discovery.” MLS sides are allowed to add up to five players to their ‘discovery list’.
If a player on the list subsequently joins another MLS team, the purchasing club will have to negotiate a fee to obtain “discovery rights.”
LA Galaxy hold the ‘discovery rights’ to Casemiro, and Inter Miami have announced that they have signed a deal to secure them. However, MLS is investigating “allegations of tampering” against the Herons.
MLS added: “The league is gathering all relevant information and will decline further comment until the review is complete.”
“Inter Miami CF and LA Galaxy have reached a settlement regarding the discovery priority contract for Casemiro, which will be lifted once the tampering investigation is concluded.”
Casemiro was able to step onto the pitch for his new team overnight. The midfielder played the full 90 minutes as Miami won 1-0. Former Liverpool and Barcelona forward Luis Suarez scored the winning goal from the penalty spot following a collision between Bertelame and Montreal defender Efran Morales.
The match was suspended for 11 minutes while Bertelame received treatment, and an ambulance entered the pitch to take the striker to hospital. “Thank God he (Bertelame) is recovering,” Inter Miami interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the final whistle.
“He’s okay and conscious. His family has been informed of everything. We didn’t know what to do. It was a very desperate situation.”
Casemiro will be heading home to Inter Miami next weekend against Columbus.
