While much of the media noise continues to revolve around a possible arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo,MLS is quietly moving forward with another strategy: to attract European players with a winning past, tactical hierarchy and symbolic weight, even without the media spotlight of a Messi or a CR7. In this scenario, one name stands out: Casemiro.
The Brazilian will finish his contract with Manchester United in June and his departure is already official. This is not a rumour or a leaked story. Old Trafford have announced it and the player himself has spoken of the end of an era. At 33 years of age, with five Champions League titles under his belt and an elite career behind him, Casemiro is facing a decision that goes far beyond sport.
LA Galaxy and MLS in silent rebuild mode
In the United States, LA Galaxy emerges as the main candidate to keep the midfielder. This is no coincidence, as the franchise that once ushered in the Beckham era understands better than anyone how to use European figures to organise a project, not just to sell shirts.
Casemiro does not arrive as a declining star, but as a structural profile: leadership, game reading, winning mentality. Exactly what many MLS franchises are still looking to consolidate.
The operation is not simple. His salary in the Premier League was over £350,000 a week, and only a Designated Player contract would allow for realistic negotiations. But the interest is there and it is serious.
More than marketing: a signal to the global dressing room
Casemiro would not be a marketing signing, but one of sporting credibility. His possible arrival reinforces an idea that MLS has been building for years: it not only wants offensive icons, it wants champions who can organise the game and raise the competitive standard. In that sense, the Brazilian fits even better than other more high-profile names.
While Saudi Arabia offers immediate money and Brazil appeals to the emotional factor of returning home, the United States proposes something else: prominence, stability and a central role in a project that is still being written.
Key context data for Casemiro ahead of his next challenge
- Casemiro will leave Manchester United in June 2025
- He won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid
- He has played 128 games for United, scoring 18 goals and providing 13 assists so far
- He earned £350,000 a week in the Premier League
- LA Galaxy competes with Brazil and Saudi Arabia for his signing
MLS has already chosen its path
Messi’s league no longer lives in the shadow of Cristiano. The possible arrival of Casemiro confirms that MLS is looking for something deeper: footballing authority, not just media impact.
If the Brazilian lands in California, it will not be a coup de grâce. It will be a statement: American soccer wants to stop being a final destination and start being a real competitive stage.
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