Why Inter Miami might face trouble for signing Casemiro after he left Man United
Inter Miami confirmed this week that they signed free agent Casemiro, but the move might face some trouble soon.
Casemiro became a free agent after his Manchester United contract ended on June 30, closing his four-year chapter at Old Trafford.
During that time, the 34-year-old was hugely important, playing 160 games and contributing to 40 goals, including 11 last season in the Premier League.
Now, as he starts a new chapter in MLS with a contract through the 2027 season, there’s a question mark over his arrival.
Right after the signing was announced on Wednesday, MLS said it’s “reviewing a tampering allegation” against Inter Miami.
The league is gathering all the facts and won’t say more until the review is done.
They also mentioned that Inter Miami and LA Galaxy have settled the “discovery priority” rights to sign Casemiro, but the details will come after the investigation finishes.
Under MLS rules, teams have to negotiate discovery rights with any club that had listed a player before signing him outside the draft or free agency.
Since LA Galaxy had Casemiro’s discovery rights before Inter Miami, that’s why the investigation started.
MLS hasn’t said what penalties could come or when the review will end, but LA Galaxy confirmed they got Casemiro’s discovery rights in the deal.
While this process can cause controversy, it’s pretty normal. For example, when Marco Reus joined LA Galaxy from Borussia Dortmund in 2024, the club paid $400,000 to Charlotte FC, who had him on their discovery list.
The MLS website explains discovery rights like this: teams scout and sign players not under contract or covered by other rules (like the SuperDraft) by putting them on a discovery list. Clubs can have up to five players on their list and can add or remove players anytime.
If more than one club adds the same player, the club that did it first has the first right to sign him. If two clubs add the player the same day, the club with the lowest points per game in the season so far gets priority.
If a club wants to sign a player on another club’s discovery list, they can offer $50,000 in General Allocation Money to get the rights. The club with the player on their list then has a few days to accept the money and give up the rights, or make a fair offer.
Even though this situation puts a cloud over Casemiro’s move, Inter Miami is excited to have the Brazil international on board.
Now 34, Casemiro had a great season at Man United, arguably his best under interim coach Michael Carrick, scoring 9 goals and assisting twice in the Premier League. He made fans wish he was a few years younger.
Because of his age and big salary, United chose not to extend his contract. Casemiro announced his emotional goodbye earlier this year.
Considered one of the best defensive midfielders around, the five-time Champions League winner is ready to team up with Lionel Messi. He’s promised to give his all for the club.
“I’m very grateful and can’t wait to get started so I can repay the trust—not just during games, but every day in training,” Casemiro said on Inter Miami’s website.
He also thanked the club and promised to give everything to return their faith in him.
Having won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with Manchester United, this midfield powerhouse now aims for more trophies in the US, with Inter Miami currently holding second place in the Eastern Conference.