Inter Miami just landed the biggest free agent of the MLS offseason. And it’s not even close.
Casemiro, the Brazilian midfield general who spent four seasons at Manchester United, has agreed in principle to join the reigning MLS champions on a free transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The deal ends months of speculation about where the 34-year-old would land after announcing his departure from Old Trafford this summer.
How the Deal Got Done
Casemiro’s United contract runs out June 30, making him a free agent on July 1. Miami wasn’t the only suitor. The LA Galaxy had interest, and Saudi Arabian clubs were circling too. But according to Romano, Casemiro chose South Florida. The move is expected to be finalized after the World Cup, where Casemiro is currently representing Brazil.
The timing works perfectly for Miami. Sergio Busquets retired after the 2025 season, leaving a gaping hole in the middle of the park. David Ayala came in from Portland Timbers but is still adjusting. Yannick Bright hasn’t matched his 2024 form. Casemiro changes that equation completely.
What He Brings to Miami
Casemiro made 160 appearances for United, scoring 26 goals and adding 14 assists. He won the EFL Cup and the FA Cup during his stint. But the numbers don’t tell the story. At his best, he’s a destroyer who reads the game two steps ahead, the kind of midfielder who lets everyone around him play with more freedom.
Miami’s system under Tata Martino needs that. The team can control possession but gets exposed in transition. Casemiro fixes that. He’s slowed down a step from his Real Madrid peak, sure. But MLS is a different animal than the Premier League, and his soccer IQ alone should make him one of the league’s best defensive midfielders.
World Cup First
Right now, Casemiro is locked in with Brazil at the World Cup. He played just the first half of the opener against Morocco, a 1-1 draw. Then went the full 90 in a 3-0 win over Haiti. Up next is Scotland at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens — a venue he’ll likely call home soon enough.
Brazil needs at least a draw to advance. A win locks up Group C. Casemiro is expected to start. And honestly, there’s no better way to introduce yourself to your future fanbase than by bossing a World Cup match in their own stadium.
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