LA Galaxy explore Casemiro free transfer as Man Utd exit confirmed

LA Galaxy are exploring the possibility of signing Manchester United midfielder Casemiro on a free transfer this summer, with the Brazilian set to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires in June.

According to reports, the MLS side are assessing whether a deal could be structured under the league’s designated player rules, as Casemiro weighs up the next chapter of his career following confirmation that his four-year spell in Manchester is coming to an end.

Casemiro joined Manchester United from Real Madrid in a £70 million move in 2022 and has since made 148 appearances, scoring 22 goals across all competitions. Now 33, the midfielder has enjoyed a late resurgence this season and has been one of United’s most influential performers in recent weeks.

Since Michael Carrick took interim charge following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January, Casemiro has been a central figure in three consecutive league wins, providing leadership and control during a critical period. Despite that upturn in form, the Brazilian has confirmed this will be his final season at Old Trafford, accelerating speculation over his next destination.

The Daily Mail reports that LA Galaxy are examining whether Casemiro could be signed as a designated player, a mechanism introduced in 2007 to allow MLS clubs to recruit high-profile stars whose wages exceed the league’s salary cap.

Should the move materialise, Casemiro would follow a familiar path. David Beckham joined the Galaxy under the same rule, winning two MLS Cups before departing in 2012, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic spent two seasons at the club between 2018 and 2019, becoming one of the league’s most recognisable figures.

While MLS interest is growing, finances could ultimately shape Casemiro’s decision. United reportedly opted against triggering a one-year extension due largely to his £375,000-per-week wages. Matching those demands would be a challenge for the Galaxy, but far less problematic for clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

Casemiro previously rejected a move to Al-Nassr last summer, a switch that would have seen him reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo, but interest from Saudi Arabia has not faded and remains a serious alternative.

Casemiro remains focused on finishing the season strongly with Manchester United. The club currently sit fourth in the Premier League with 14 matches remaining and are firmly in the race for Champions League qualification. United return to action at home against Tottenham on Saturday before travelling to West Ham three days later, fixtures that could prove decisive in their push for a top-four finish.

Would a move to MLS suit Casemiro at this stage of his career, or should he take one final high-profile payday in Saudi Arabia?