The whispers out of Manchester are getting louder, and they're not about Erik ten Hag’s job security this time. Sources tell ESPN that Casemiro, the five-time Champions League winner, is drawing serious interest from Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, and Saudi Pro League giant Al Ittihad. It’s a fascinating crossroads for a player who, just two seasons ago, looked like the missing piece in Manchester United’s midfield puzzle. Remember, he arrived at Old Trafford in August 2022 for a reported £60 million, a hefty fee for a 30-year-old, and immediately elevated their game.
His first year was brilliant. Casemiro scored seven goals and added six assists in 53 appearances across all competitions in 2022-23, helping United lift the Carabao Cup – their first trophy in six years. He was the enforcer, the deep-lying playmaker, the guy who made everyone else better. He bossed the midfield in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, a dominant 2-0 victory where he opened the scoring. That version of Casemiro is exactly what any of these interested clubs would be hoping to get.
Here's the thing: that version of Casemiro hasn't been consistently on display this past season. Injuries plagued him, limiting him to just 25 Premier League appearances. He looked a step slower at times, particularly in the latter half of the season as United's form dipped dramatically. While he still managed five goals and three assists in the league, the defensive solidity he brought often felt absent. He had a particularly rough outing in the 4-0 drubbing by Crystal Palace on May 6, where he looked completely overwhelmed.
For Inter Miami, adding Casemiro would be another massive coup, pairing him with former Real Madrid teammates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Imagine that midfield — Busquets pulling the strings, Casemiro breaking up play. It would be a marketing dream and a tactical nightmare for MLS opponents. Messi, since joining Miami in July 2023, has already transformed the league's profile. The Galaxy, meanwhile, are always looking for a splash, and a player of Casemiro's pedigree would certainly fit the bill. They already have Riqui Puig dictating play, but Casemiro would add a defensive bite they've lacked since the days of Nigel de Jong.
But let's be real, Al Ittihad can offer significantly more money. They already lured N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema to Jeddah. The Saudi Pro League isn't just a retirement home anymore; it’s a serious contender for top talent, though Casemiro’s age and recent form make him a slightly different profile than some of their younger acquisitions.
Real talk: Casemiro still has gas in the tank, just maybe not 90 minutes of high-intensity Premier League gas every week. His passing range is still elite, his vision undeniable. The question is, what does he prioritize? A chance to reunite with old friends and build a legacy in a growing league like MLS, or one last massive payday in Saudi Arabia? My hot take? He's better suited for the MLS. The pace is slightly less demanding, allowing his intelligence and passing to shine without being constantly exposed defensively. He could truly dominate games there, pulling strings and shielding the backline.
Manchester United, meanwhile, will likely be keen to offload his substantial wages, reportedly around £300,000 per week, as they look to rebuild under new ownership. Regardless of where he lands, Casemiro's next move will be one of the most intriguing sagas of the summer window. I predict he signs with Inter Miami by mid-July, drawn by the chance to play with Messi again and extend his brand in North America.