Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the 2025-26 season after the club decided against triggering a one-year extension in his contract. The 34-year-old Brazilian, who joined from Real Madrid in 2022 for an initial £60m, is understood by the BBC to be prioritising a move to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. To facilitate the transfer and navigate MLS salary cap restrictions, Casemiro is reportedly willing to reduce his base salary demands to join former La Liga rivals Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez in Florida.
Strategic reset and United’s financial gain
The decision to sanction Casemiro’s exit aligns with the 'strategic reset' led by the INEOS sporting department, focused on lowering the average age of the squad and offloading high earners. By allowing the midfielder to depart, United expect to save approximately £18.2m in annual wages. This fiscal breathing room is critical for the club’s compliance with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) as they target younger replacements, such as Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. Despite a technical resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick, Casemiro confirmed his departure to ESPN Brasil, stating his "cycle ended here" and expressing a desire to leave "through the big door" after four seasons in Manchester.
The Inter Miami negotiation and salary sacrifice
According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, Casemiro’s motivation for the move is heavily influenced by the opportunity to play alongside Messi. While reports from RTI Esporte suggest a total package including commercial rights could reach significant heights, the immediate hurdle remains the MLS salary cap. Consequently, Casemiro is prepared to accept a lower formal wage than his current £350,000-a-week deal to ensure the move materialises. The proposed deal in Miami could run through December 2028, following the recruitment pattern that has seen David Beckham’s franchise aggressively pursue veteran elite talent from Europe. For United, the move closes a chapter on a player who, despite 13 Champions League titles’ worth of experience, represents a wage burden the club is no longer willing to carry.
Active talks between Casemiro’s representatives and Inter Miami are expected to formalise the terms ahead of the summer transfer window.