Inter Miami signs Casemiro, MLS probes tampering allegations

By Tunde Adeyemi — 22 July 2026 — 3 min read

Inter Miami has announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who joins the club after leaving Manchester United. However, Major League Soccer (MLS) has initiated an investigation into allegations of tampering concerning the deal.

Casemiro, at 34 years old, has signed a contract that extends until the end of the 2027 MLS season, with an option to prolong it until June 2029. He was a free agent after Manchester United opted not to renew his contract at the conclusion of the previous season.

Tampering Allegations Under Investigation

Moments after Inter Miami confirmed the signing, the MLS released a statement indicating it was “reviewing a tampering allegation” against the club. The investigation focuses on Casemiro’s discovery rights, an MLS regulation that grants a specific club the initial right to sign a player if they wish to join the league.

Los Angeles Galaxy held the discovery rights for Casemiro. While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for these rights, the terms of this agreement are expected to be disclosed once the tampering investigation concludes. The league stated it is gathering all pertinent information and will refrain from further comment until the review is complete.

This is not the first instance of Inter Miami facing scrutiny over transfer dealings. In 2021, the club incurred a $2 million fine for violating MLS rules during the signing of French midfielder Blaise Matuidi in the preceding year. The league found that Matuidi had received a salary exceeding the permitted amount, effectively allowing the team to have four “designated players” instead of the allowed three, whose wages do not count towards the MLS salary cap.

Casemiro’s Career and Future at Miami

Casemiro expressed his motivation for the move, stating, “What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow.” He added that the project presented by the club and the effort made to bring him there were significant to him.

During his four-year tenure at Manchester United, Casemiro made 160 appearances, scoring 26 goals and providing 14 assists. His achievements with United include winning one EFL Cup and one FA Cup. He also scored in the League Cup final victory in 2023 and reached two FA Cup finals, winning the competition in 2024. Additionally, he was part of the United squad that reached the Europa League final in May 2025.

Before joining United in 2022, Casemiro won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid. He also represented Brazil, reaching the last 16 at this summer’s World Cup.

Inter Miami co-owner Sir David Beckham welcomed Casemiro, remarking, “He is a winner who has achieved so much in the game and after such an incredible career with Real Madrid and Manchester United I’m delighted that he’s decided to make Miami his next home.” At Inter Miami, Casemiro is expected to reunite with former Real Madrid and Manchester United teammate Sergio Reguilon, as well as Argentina’s World Cup finalists Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul.

In the wake of Casemiro’s departure, Manchester United has strengthened its midfield by acquiring Andrey Santos for £50m from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans for £35m from Aston Villa.

Casemiro’s contract with Manchester United included an option for a 12-month extension, but the club decided not to activate it or renew his contract, a decision reportedly made well before the end of the season. His final season saw him score nine goals, including five under former head coach Michael Carrick.

Source: bbc.com