Inter Miami chase Casemiro move to join Lionel Messi, but deal faces major obstacles
Inter Miami have targeted the former Real Madrid star as a priority signing after the 2026 World Cup.
Sergio Busquets’ departure has left a clear void in Inter Miami’s midfield. Rodrigo De Paul is without a natural partner, and while the club has tried internal solutions, including David Ayala and Telasco Segovia, there is an understanding within the organization that a true midfield leader is still missing.
That profile, according to multiple reports, is exactly what Inter Miami is now pursuing.
Casemiro emerges as top summer target
The leading candidate is Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, who has reportedly become the club’s primary target heading into the summer transfer window.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano noted that the Brazilian international is very much on Inter Miami’s radar.
“Despite calls from Saudi Arabia, MLS is a strong possibility. Inter Miami is working on the signing of Casemiro, and from what I’ve exclusively heard, Miami really wants the Brazilian,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.
Casemiro has already confirmed he will leave Manchester United at the end of the Premier League season. That development has triggered interest from multiple destinations, including Saudi Arabia, though MLS, and specifically Miami, remains firmly in the conversation.
Inter Miami reaction and internal stance
When asked about the rumors, interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos responded with a knowing smile and little else.
Sources familiar with the situation confirmed to AS USA that Inter Miami does, in fact, view the former Real Madrid star as a serious option.
The salary cap challenge Miami must solve
Even if Casemiro is open to moving to Major League Soccer, the deal is far from straightforward.
Inter Miami would first need to navigate MLS roster and salary cap restrictions. The club would likely have to either free up a Designated Player slot or restructure their roster significantly. Current Designated Players include Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Germán Berterame, who only arrived in the winter transfer window.
Another option would be for Casemiro to accept a significant pay cut in order to fit into the league’s Targeted Allocation Money structure, which has a limit of $1.8 million per season.
That would represent a dramatic financial adjustment, given Casemiro currently earns approximately $24 million annually.
What Casemiro would bring to Miami
If Inter Miami can overcome the financial and roster obstacles, they would be adding a proven midfield presence with elite pedigree.
On top of that, Casemiro has scored eight headed goals this season, more than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues, underscoring his threat on set pieces and late runs into the box.
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.