Casemiro’s Future Uncertain as LA Galaxy Eye Potential Move

Casemiro joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in a £70 million ($96 million) deal in 2022. Since then, he has made 148 appearances for the club, scoring 22 goals. The 33-year-old Brazilian has been a pivotal player this season, emerging as a standout performer during United’s three consecutive victories under interim manager Michael Carrick, who took the reins following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim in January. However, Casemiro has confirmed that this will be his final year at Old Trafford, leading to rampant speculation regarding his next destination.

According to the Daily Mail, LA Galaxy are exploring the possibility of signing Casemiro under the designated player rule of Major League Soccer (MLS). This rule, instituted in 2007 when David Beckham joined the Galaxy, permits MLS teams to sign up to three players whose salaries and acquisition costs exceed the league’s salary budget or cap.

Should the move materialize, Casemiro would join the ranks of United legends Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, both of whom have played for the Galaxy. Beckham won two MLS Cups with the club before departing in 2012, while Ibrahimovic featured at Dignity Health Sports Park for two seasons between 2018 and 2019.

The Mail further notes that Manchester United would have contemplated exercising their one-year extension option for Casemiro, were it not for his substantial wage of £375,000 per week. It remains unclear if LA Galaxy will be willing to meet his salary expectations; however, such financial considerations would not pose a challenge for clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Casemiro reportedly declined an opportunity to join Al-Nassr last summer, which would have reunited him with Cristiano Ronaldo, but he continues to attract interest from the Saudi Pro League.

For now, Casemiro remains committed to his responsibilities at Manchester United, who currently sit fourth in the Premier League table with 14 matches remaining this season. Carrick’s team is set to return to action at home against Tottenham on Saturday, followed by a match at relegation-threatened West Ham three days later, as they strive for Champions League qualification.