The whispers are getting louder. Casemiro, the five-time Champions League winner, is reportedly on the radar of Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, and Al Ittihad. At 32, after a season where he often looked a step behind for Manchester United, the writing feels like it’s on the wall for his Premier League tenure. He made 25 league appearances last season, a significant drop from his 28 in 2022-23, and his defensive metrics dipped noticeably. His 1.8 tackles per 90 minutes in 2023-24 were his lowest since his Porto loan a decade ago.
Real talk, Casemiro was immense in his first year at Old Trafford. He anchored a midfield that secured a League Cup trophy and a third-place finish in the Premier League. Remember that header against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final? That was pure class. But last season felt different. He looked exposed at times, particularly in that brutal 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace where Michael Olise ran riot. Manchester United paid £70 million for him in 2022, a hefty sum for a player already in his 30s. They'd be lucky to recoup a quarter of that now.
Inter Miami makes all the sense in the world on paper. Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba – it’s a Real Madrid/Barcelona reunion tour in South Florida. Casemiro could slot in as the defensive lynchpin, shielding a backline that has looked shaky at times. Miami conceded 27 goals in 18 matches this season, a concerning statistic even with their attacking firepower. Imagine Casemiro breaking up play, allowing Messi to work his magic further up the field. That’s a dream scenario for MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
The LA Galaxy are also sniffing around. They've always been a destination for big names, from David Beckham to Zlatan Ibrahimović. They’re currently sitting second in the Western Conference, playing some exciting football under Greg Vanney. Riqui Puig runs the midfield, but adding Casemiro would give them a steel they sometimes lack. Puig’s 2.9 tackles per 90 are solid, but Casemiro brings a different level of defensive IQ and big-game experience. The Galaxy have scored 35 goals this season, but their 27 goals conceded is identical to Miami's. A true defensive midfielder could be the missing piece for a deep playoff run.
Then there’s Al Ittihad. The Saudi Pro League has made a habit of splashing cash on aging European stars. Karim Benzema is already there, earning a reported €200 million over two years. N’Golo Kanté is also a teammate. The money on offer from Saudi Arabia would undoubtedly dwarf anything MLS could put on the table. For a player like Casemiro, who has won everything there is to win in Europe, a massive final payday in a less demanding league might be incredibly appealing. He’s already made a fortune, but another nine-figure contract isn't something many turn down.
My take? He goes to Miami. The chance to play with his former Real Madrid teammates, to live in a vibrant city, and to still compete in a growing league feels like the perfect blend of lifestyle and football. The MLS schedule is also far less grueling than the Premier League or Saudi Pro League, which would help preserve his body. He’s not going to win another Champions League, but he could certainly help Miami win an MLS Cup. I think we see Casemiro in pink before the next transfer window closes.