The rumor mill is churning, and this time it’s about a five-time Champions League winner. Sources tell ESPN that Inter Miami, the LA Galaxy, and Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad are all eyeing Manchester United’s Casemiro. The Brazilian midfielder, who arrived at Old Trafford in August 2022 for a reported £60 million, might be packing his bags sooner than many expected. He’s still under contract with United until June 2026, with an option for another year, but his recent form and Manchester United's struggles have fueled the speculation.
Inter Miami's interest makes perfect sense. They’ve cornered the market on aging European superstars looking for a new challenge and a sunnier tax bracket. Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez have all made the move to South Florida. Casemiro, at 32, fits the mold. He'd bring a defensive steel Miami sometimes lacks, even with all their attacking firepower. Imagine Casemiro breaking up play, then feeding Messi. That’s a highlight reel waiting to happen. The club currently sits atop the Eastern Conference with 31 points through 15 games, a far cry from their 14th-place finish in 2022. Adding another world-class veteran like Casemiro could solidify their MLS Cup ambitions.
The LA Galaxy also being in the mix is interesting. They haven't had the same influx of European legends recently, but they're always a big-market player. The Galaxy's last MLS Cup was in 2014, and they're hungry to return to prominence. They're currently second in the Western Conference with 25 points. Bringing in a player of Casemiro's pedigree would be a massive statement, showing they can still compete for top talent. His leadership in the midfield, something the Galaxy could use, would be invaluable.
Then there's Al Ittihad. The Saudi Pro League has made no secret of its desire to attract global footballing icons. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar – the list goes on. Al Ittihad already boasts Benzema and N'Golo Kante in their squad. Adding Casemiro would give them one of the most decorated midfields outside of Europe’s elite. The financial incentives in Saudi Arabia are obviously immense, often dwarfing what MLS clubs can offer. For a player like Casemiro, who has won everything there is to win in Europe, the chance for a lucrative final contract could be incredibly appealing. Al Ittihad finished 5th in the Saudi Pro League in the 2023-24 season, a drop from their championship-winning 2022-23 campaign. Casemiro could be the piece they need to challenge for the title again.
Here's the thing: Casemiro’s time at United hasn't been a complete disaster, but it hasn't lived up to the initial hype either. He made 32 Premier League appearances in his first season, scoring four goals and providing three assists, and was instrumental in their Carabao Cup win in February 2023. This past season, however, saw him make just 25 league appearances, battling injuries and inconsistent form. He still averages 2.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game, but his overall influence has waned. United paid a hefty sum for him, and they might want to recoup some of that investment. I actually think United would be smart to offload him. His wages are high, and they need to rebuild their midfield with younger, more dynamic players. Keeping him feels like holding onto a past glory rather than building for the future.
My bold prediction? Casemiro lands in Miami. The lifestyle, the lower pressure, and the chance to link up with his former Madrid teammates will be too much to resist.