LA Galaxy general manager Will Kuntz says Casemiro told the club he only wanted to play for them before later expressing a desire to join Inter Miami, as Major League Soccer investigates the midfielder’s move.
The 34-year-old Brazilian joined Lionel Messi at Inter Miami on a free transfer from Manchester United in July. He signed a contract through the end of the 2027 MLS season, with an option to extend until June 2029.
Casemiro scored an own goal in Miami’s 2-2 draw with the Columbus Crew on Sunday, a match that also marked Messi’s return to action.
Speaking to reporters after the Galaxy’s 0-0 draw with Dallas, Kuntz addressed MLS’s review of the transfer. He said Casemiro called to say he had “always wanted” to play for Inter Miami—two months after telling the Galaxy they were the only MLS team he wanted to join.
The investigation centers on MLS discovery rights, a rule granting a club the first opportunity to sign a player on its discovery list. MLS announced the review shortly after Inter Miami confirmed Casemiro’s arrival, saying it was gathering information and would not comment further until the process concluded.
While the Galaxy held Casemiro’s discovery rights, Inter Miami stated upon announcing the deal that they had acquired those rights from LA. Both clubs say they have reached a settlement on the discovery priority, with terms to be disclosed after the league’s tampering inquiry is completed.
Under MLS rules, teams can list up to five players on their discovery list at any time, adding or removing names as needed—a mechanism in place since 1996 that has no direct counterpart in European football.
Casemiro has previously said he made it clear to the Galaxy that he wanted to join Miami, citing his family’s affinity for the city, the club’s project, and the chance to play alongside “the best player of all time.”
BBC Sport has contacted Casemiro’s agent and Inter Miami for comment.