Inter Miami has made an official move to secure the signature of Casemiro, taking the first tangible step towards bringing the Brazilian midfielder to Major League Soccer as a free agent following his expected departure from Manchester United this summer.

As per transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Casemiro is receptive to the idea of joining Miami, drawn by the club’s sporting project and the possibility of teaming up with Lionel Messi. His family’s preferences are also playing a significant role in shaping his decision.

Negotiations are still in progress, with several European and Saudi Arabian clubs continuing to assess the 34-year-old’s situation. However, Inter Miami appears to hold an early advantage, being the first club to table a formal offer.

The major hurdle revolves around financial terms. Casemiro’s current wages at Manchester United—reportedly exceeding $20 million per year—are far beyond the salary cap regulations of MLS. To make the deal feasible, Inter Miami would have to utilise a Designated Player slot or free up considerable salary cap space.

Adding to the complexity, LA Galaxy currently retains Casemiro’s MLS discovery rights. This means that any MLS team wishing to sign him would need to compensate Galaxy before the transfer could proceed.

Should the deal be finalised, Casemiro would likely join forces with Rodrigo De Paul in Miami’s midfield. De Paul is guaranteed to earn $7.5 million this season, and together, they could form a powerful partnership at the heart of the Herons’ lineup.