What Happened to Carlos Henrique Casimiro?
Casemiro, the renowned Brazilian defensive midfielder, concluded his four-year tenure with Manchester United at the end of the 2025-26 season and has agreed to join Inter Miami on a free transfer. He is currently representing Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he has played a pivotal role, including scoring a crucial equalizer in the Round of 32.
Quick Answer
As of July 5, 2026, Casemiro has officially departed Manchester United after his contract expired on June 30, 2026. He has agreed to join MLS club Inter Miami on a free transfer, where he will play alongside Lionel Messi. Currently, Casemiro is actively participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the Brazil national team, serving as a co-captain and notably scoring in their Round of 32 victory against Japan.
πKey Facts
π Complete Timeline11 events
Joins Manchester United
Real Madrid and Manchester United announce an agreement for Casemiro's transfer, reportedly worth β¬70.65 million. He signs a four-year contract with an option for an additional year.
Wins EFL Cup with Manchester United
Casemiro scores a header in Manchester United's 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final, playing a major role in securing the trophy.
Wins FA Cup with Manchester United
Casemiro is part of the Manchester United team that wins the Emirates FA Cup.
Criticized for Performance against Liverpool
In a home game against Liverpool, Casemiro makes two mistakes leading to opposition goals and is substituted at half-time, drawing strong criticism.
Returns to Brazil National Team
Newly appointed Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti includes Casemiro in the squad for World Cup qualifiers, marking his return after a two-year absence.
Manchester United Announces Departure
Manchester United officially announces that Casemiro will depart the club at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, following a mutual decision not to renew his contract.
Selected for 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Casemiro is selected for Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his third World Cup appearance.
Agrees to Join Inter Miami
Reports confirm Casemiro has agreed a deal to join Inter Miami on a free transfer after his Manchester United contract ends, linking up with Lionel Messi.
Scores in World Cup Round of 32
Casemiro scores a crucial equalizer in Brazil's 2-1 Round of 32 victory against Japan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming Brazil's second-oldest World Cup goalscorer.
Contract with Manchester United Expires
Casemiro's four-year contract with Manchester United officially expires, making him a free agent.
Complete Agreement with Inter Miami
Inter Miami and Casemiro reach a complete agreement for his transfer, with the signing expected to be finalized in the coming days after Brazil's World Cup commitments.
πDeep Dive Analysis
Carlos Henrique Casimiro, widely known as Casemiro, has maintained his status as a prominent figure in world football, with significant developments in his career through mid-2026. After joining Manchester United in August 2022 from Real Madrid for a reported β¬70.65 million, he quickly became a fan favorite, contributing to their EFL Cup win in 2023 and FA Cup victory in 2024.
The 2024-25 season saw some mixed performances, including a criticized display against Liverpool in September 2024, but he continued to be a key player. In January 2026, Manchester United officially announced that Casemiro would depart the club at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, following a mutual decision not to renew his contract, which expired on June 30, 2026. This decision was part of the club's long-term squad overhaul plans, despite his strong individual performances during the 2025-26 Premier League season where he recorded 9 goals and 2 assists in 33-34 appearances.
Following his departure from Manchester United, Casemiro's next destination became a subject of widespread speculation. By May and June 2026, reports intensified, and it was eventually confirmed that he had agreed to join Inter Miami on a free transfer. This move will see him link up with Lionel Messi in the MLS. The agreement, which includes a contract until December 2028 with an option for an additional year and a significantly increased salary, was finalized by early July 2026. A minor hurdle involved acquiring his discovery rights from LA Galaxy, which Inter Miami successfully navigated.
Concurrently, Casemiro has been a central figure for the Brazil national team. After a brief absence from international duty in late 2023 and early 2024, he made a resurgence under newly appointed manager Carlo Ancelotti, who included him in Brazil's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At 34 years old, he is a co-captain and a vital defensive anchor for the SeleΓ§Γ£o. His leadership and experience were on full display during the World Cup, particularly in the Round of 32 match against Japan on June 29, 2026, where he scored a crucial equalizer, helping Brazil secure a 2-1 victory and advance to the Round of 16. This goal made him Brazil's second-oldest World Cup goalscorer and he also equaled the World Cup record of 12 unbeaten appearances.
As of July 5, 2026, Casemiro is fully focused on Brazil's World Cup campaign, with his move to Inter Miami expected to be formally completed after the tournament, especially if Brazil remains in Miami for subsequent matches. His transfer to Inter Miami is seen as a strategic move to bolster their midfield, particularly after the retirement of Sergio Busquets, and to continue the club's pursuit of MLS Cup success.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Carlos Henrique Casimiro made different choices?