Inter Miami signs five-time Champions League winner Casemiro as MLS investigates tampering
The Brazilian midfielder, 34, signed through 2027 with an option to 2029, but the league is examining whether Inter Miami violated discovery rights held by LA Galaxy.
Inter Miami announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder Casemiro on Wednesday, adding a five-time Champions League winner to the reigning MLS champions. The 34-year-old, who left Manchester United at the end of last season, signed a contract through the 2027 MLS Sprint season with an option to extend to June 2029. The move pairs him with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul in a squad that won its first league title earlier this year.
The tampering investigation
Minutes after the announcement, Major League Soccer said it was investigating a tampering allegation against Inter Miami. The league stated it is gathering all relevant information and will not comment further until the review is complete. The probe centres on whether Miami circumvented discovery rights that belonged to LA Galaxy.
While Inter Miami CF and the LA Galaxy have reached a settlement for the Discovery Priority to sign Casemiro, the terms will be released upon conclusion of the tampering investigation.
LA Galaxy confirmed the settlement on social media, adding that the terms would be disclosed after the investigation. The league did not specify potential penalties or a timeline.
How discovery rights work
Under MLS rules, clubs can place up to six players on a discovery list, giving them priority to negotiate. LA Galaxy had listed Casemiro, meaning no other team could contact him while Galaxy held those rights. The Galaxy were in talks with the player and felt confident about signing him, but Casemiro expressed a desire to join Inter Miami instead. The two clubs then reached a settlement, allowing Miami to acquire the rights and complete the signing. The investigation will examine whether Miami had improper contact with Casemiro before that settlement.
- LA Galaxy listed Casemiro on their discovery list, giving them priority to negotiate with the Brazilian midfielder.
- Despite Galaxy's interest, Casemiro expressed a desire to join Inter Miami instead.
- Inter Miami and LA Galaxy agree on a settlement for the discovery priority, allowing Miami to sign the player.
- Inter Miami officially announce Casemiro on a free transfer, contract through 2027 with an option to June 2029.
- Major League Soccer launches a tampering investigation, withholding the settlement terms until the review concludes.
Casemiro's career
Casemiro spent eight seasons at Real Madrid, where he made between 336 and 366 appearances, depending on the source, scoring 31 goals and providing 29 assists. He won five Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns and three Club World Cups. He moved to Manchester United in 2022, playing 160 games, scoring 26 goals and adding 14 assists, and won the League Cup and FA Cup. For Brazil, he has 91 caps, won the 2019 Copa America and started all five of the team's matches at the 2026 World Cup, scoring once in the round of 32 and assisting in the round of 16 before elimination by Norway.
What motivates me the most, and I think this is true for every player, is winning and continuing to grow.
Club reaction
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham praised the signing, calling Casemiro a winner who achieved so much with Real Madrid and Manchester United. Managing owner Jorge Mas said the arrival reflects the club's ambition to be not only the best in the United States but a global reference in football. Casemiro is still waiting for a visa and his debut date is unclear.
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.
