Casemiro's Next Stop: Miami, LA, or the Saudi Sands?
The whispers around Casemiro’s future are getting louder, and honestly, it’s about time. The veteran midfielder, who just last season was lifting the Champions League trophy with Real Madrid, looks increasingly likely to leave Manchester United this summer. Sources are linking him to Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, and Saudi Pro League club Al Ittihad. It’s a fascinating crossroads for a player of his pedigree.
Let's be real, Casemiro's 2023-24 campaign at Old Trafford wasn't exactly vintage. He made 25 Premier League appearances, but often looked a step slow, especially in the final months. Remember that 4-0 drubbing by Crystal Palace on May 6th? He was absolutely roasted playing at center-back. His tackle success rate dropped from 64% in his debut United season to 56% this past year. That's a significant dip for a defensive midfielder. United paid Real Madrid £60 million for him in August 2022. They're not getting that back, not even close.
Miami's Star Power Play
Inter Miami makes all the sense in the world on paper. They’ve got Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez – a veritable Barcelona reunion. Adding Casemiro, another five-time Champions League winner, would push their star power to absurd levels. Imagine the marketing campaigns. Casemiro's passing accuracy still hovers around 85%, even in a struggling United side. He could dictate play alongside Busquets, allowing Messi and Suarez to do their thing up top. Miami’s defensive struggles are well-documented; they conceded 40 goals in 34 games last season. Casemiro could provide some much-needed steel in front of their backline. Plus, he'd get to play in front of bigger crowds and against less intense opposition, which might be appealing at 32 years old.
Galaxy's Desperate Bid
Then there's the LA Galaxy. They're also reportedly in the mix, and you can see why. The Galaxy finished 13th in the Western Conference last season, a long way from their glory days. They need a marquee signing, a statement player to re-energize the fanbase and their locker room. Their midfield, featuring players like Gastón Brugman and Riqui Puig, could use Casemiro's experience. Puig is a talent, but he's not a destroyer. Casemiro could free Puig up to be more creative. The Galaxy have always been about big names – David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Robbie Keane. Casemiro fits that mold perfectly. They last won MLS Cup in 2014. A player like Casemiro, even a slightly diminished one, could be the catalyst for a serious rebuild.
Saudi's Blank Check
But let's not overlook Al Ittihad. The Saudi Pro League has shown it's willing to spend outrageous sums for top talent. They already boast Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante. Adding Casemiro would reunite him with Benzema, a partnership that brought so much success at Real Madrid. The financial package from Al Ittihad would almost certainly dwarf anything MLS could offer. Casemiro signed a four-year deal with United, reportedly worth around £350,000 per week. Saudi clubs have proven they'll pay even more. For a player entering the twilight of his career, securing generational wealth is a powerful motivator. The league's quality is improving too, though it’s still a step below the Premier League.
Here's my hot take: Casemiro ends up in Saudi Arabia. While the MLS lifestyle might be appealing, the sheer financial muscle of Al Ittihad will be too much to ignore. He'll reunite with Benzema, make an obscene amount of money, and be the undisputed star of a growing league. Expect an announcement before August.