Casemiro announced in January that he would be leaving Manchester United this summer, and the veteran Brazilian midfielder appears to have made his next move.
Casemiro looks set to head to MLS (Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Casemiro is keen to link up with David Beckham’s Inter Miami after his contract with Manchester United expires and is said to be close to agreeing a contract with the MLS franchise.
The Brazilian midfielder announced in January that this season would be his last at United. The 34-year-old, who joined from Real Madrid four years ago on a deal worth £70m with add-ons, made an emotional farewell to Old Trafford in his final home game at the weekend and is heavily linked with a move to the United States when United’s season ends this weekend.
According to The Athletic, Casemiro’s preference is to join Inter Miami, and the club are “close to” agreeing to sign him on a free transfer.
However, the report also outlines issues regarding a future contract between the two sides, with the LA Galaxy actually retaining discovery rights to negotiate a move for the veteran midfielder and have already made him multiple contract offers.
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This rule gives teams priority in signing certain players and is designed to prevent MLS clubs from competing to sign the same high-profile players.
Previous lawsuits have resulted in the club paying compensation for discovery rights, but neither LA Galaxy nor Inter Miami currently have designated players available for Casemiro.
That means a deal bringing the multiple Champions League winner to Miami would need to be worth less than $2m (£1.48m) unless one of the club’s three named players leaves. Lionel Messi currently holds one of the spots available for Beckham’s team.
Casemiro played his final home game for Manchester United on Sunday (Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images))
Casemiro could be on the field one more time before departing for Manchester United’s trip to Brighton, but Sunday’s game against Nottingham Forest was his last at Old Trafford.
After the match, the midfielder issued a statement on social media thanking the club and supporters, saying: “There are places in life we pass… and there are places that become part of us. Manchester will forever be my home.”
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the city, the club and our supporters. The last four years have been unforgettable and filled with moments that my family and I will cherish for the rest of our lives.”
“There are not enough words to describe the happiness and warmth we felt here. Thank you for all the cheers, all the memories and for making us feel at home from day one. Forever the Red Devils.”
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