Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Casemiro to Join Inter Miami After United Exit

5/22/2026

35 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Casemiro Leaves United

Casemiro will leave Manchester United and is close to a free-transfer move to Inter Miami.
He played his final match on Sunday in a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest and posted a farewell.
LA Galaxy hold his MLS discovery rights, so any Inter Miami deal must stay under $2 million (£1.48 million).
He will report to Brazil’s Granja Comary on Wednesday to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Summary

Casemiro Joins InterMiami

Inter Miami will add Casemiro using Targeted Allocation Money and a non-guaranteed option, avoiding an open Designated Player slot.
The move mirrors the 2023 Jordi Alba deal and reflects MLS clubs’ broader use of creative salary-cap tactics to sign star players.
Now under interim coach Guillermo Hoyos, Miami sits on 28 points and sees Casemiro as essential to bolster a thin midfield while defending its MLS Cup title.

Summary

Casemiro Praises Messi

Casemiro called Lionel Messi the toughest opponent he ever faced, describing him as impossible to miss.
He said he looks forward to possibly playing alongside Messi at Inter Miami, turning rivalry into partnership.
Inter Miami, MLS Cup champions last season, sit second in the Eastern Conference as the transfer window closes.
United may still field him in a dead-rubber match against Brighton on the final day.

History

Historical Context

2007 MLS adopted the Designated Player rule—dubbed the Beckham Rule—letting clubs sign marquee talent outside the salary cap. Beckham’s five-year LA Galaxy contract guaranteed $6.5 million annually and sparked global interest. The league still uses the DP mechanism for high-profile imports, a strategy reflected in recent star signings as MLS prepares for the 2026 World Cup.

1 of 4

Casemiro Leaves United

Casemiro will leave Manchester United and is close to a free-transfer move to Inter Miami.
He played his final match on Sunday in a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest and posted a farewell.
LA Galaxy hold his MLS discovery rights, so any Inter Miami deal must stay under $2 million (£1.48 million).
He will report to Brazil’s Granja Comary on Wednesday to prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

1 / 4