When Manchester United confirmed in January 2026 that Casemiro would leave as a free agent at the end of his contract on June 30, the transfer market lit up. A five-time Champions League winner, still capable of scoring goals at 34, is not the kind of player clubs casually pass on. As of late March 2026, at least seven clubs across four different leagues are seriously monitoring the situation — and the race is wide open.
Why Is Casemiro Leaving Manchester United?
The departure was confirmed by both club and player in January 2026. Manchester United held a clause to extend Casemiro’s contract by a further 12 months but elected not to exercise it — primarily to free up significant wage-bill space that the club intends to reinvest in one or possibly two new midfielders this summer.
The decision proved somewhat controversial among the United dressing room. Defender Leny Yoro spoke openly about the squad’s feelings: “Everyone wanted him to stay — he’s a player really important for us. Even in the dressing room, every day, he has the experience that no one else has in the team. He won everything.”
Privately, there were brief internal discussions at Old Trafford about a potential U-turn and offering Casemiro a reduced-wage extension. However, that option appears to have been shelved, and the mutual agreement to part ways in June stands. What follows is the most comprehensive breakdown of every club in the running for his signature.
“Casemiro will leave on a free transfer this summer. There’s strong interest — MLS clubs, Saudi clubs, European clubs too, although wages could be an issue. Plenty of options on the table.” — Fabrizio Romano, March 2026.
Every Club That Could Sign Casemiro
Inter Miami CF
The frontrunners. As of March 28, 2026, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Inter Miami have opened formal talks with Casemiro’s camp and submitted an official offer — the most advanced of any club in the race. Miami’s sporting case is watertight: Sergio Busquets retired after their MLS Cup win in December 2025, and the defensive midfield void has gone unfilled all season. Casemiro would slot straight into the anchor role alongside Messi, Suárez, De Paul and Berterame. The one obstacle is MLS roster rules — Miami’s three designated player spots are currently full, requiring a significant roster move to create space.
LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy are also firmly in the race, with The Athletic first reporting their interest on March 25. The Galaxy have made contact with Casemiro’s representatives. Like Miami, they face a designated player slot problem — but reports suggest they are exploring ways to “buy down” striker João Klauss’s contract below the DP threshold to free up room. Should Casemiro join, he would partner Marco Reus in a midfield boasting genuine European pedigree. Financially, the Galaxy are believed to be competitive with Miami’s offer.
Al Ittihad
The Saudi giants have been interested in Casemiro for over two years, and with Karim Benzema having departed for Al Hilal in February 2026, they have a high-profile vacancy to fill. ESPN sources confirm Al Ittihad are “closely monitoring” the situation. The key variable is Fabinho: the former Liverpool midfielder’s Al Ittihad contract also expires this summer, and whether the club retain or release him will shape whether they move for Casemiro. Financially, Saudi Arabia can comfortably beat any MLS or Serie A offer — potentially by a factor of three or four.
Al Nassr
The Cristiano Ronaldo connection makes this an intriguing prospect. ESPN’s Transfer Talk reported in February that Al Nassr are among the clubs interested, meaning Casemiro faces a remarkable choice: join Messi at Inter Miami or join Ronaldo at Al Nassr. The two were El Clásico rivals alongside Casemiro for years. Al Nassr have the financial firepower and a clear appetite for marquee names, though they face stiff internal Saudi competition from Al Ittihad for the midfielder’s signature.