Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas confirms Casemiro signing | OneFootball

It's still unclear how Casemiro might fit into Inter Miami's lineup

For weeks now, the soccer world has expected Inter Miami to announce the signing of Brazil, Real Madrid and Manchester star midfielder Casemiro after the Seleção completed their World Cup run. Norway defeated Brazil 12 days ago in the Round of 16, and the Herons and L.A. Galaxy reportedly have settled their discovery rights dispute. But we're still waiting.

We may not have to wait much longer.

On Thursday, Herons' managing co-owner Jorge Mas told reporters Casemiro will come to Miami. Area Sports Network posted a video of Mas talking with reporters outside an unnamed facility.

"In the coming days, we'll have another announcement of a big player, too," he tells them. "Casemiro?" a reporter asks. "Yes, yes," Mas replies. "He will come; he will come to Inter Miami."

To be clear, that's not official confirmation, but it's the next best thing. But is it the best thing for Inter Miami right now?

Las Garzas entered the World Cup break at 9-2-4, second in Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference and fourth in the Supporters' Shield race with 31 points. Interim coach Guillermo Hoyos had the Herons attack humming by returning striker Luis Suárez to the starting lineup, lining up with Lionel Messi and Germán  Berterame up front with a midfield of Telasco Segovia, Yannick Bright and Rodrigo De Paul and a backline of Ian Fray and Sergio Reguilón as wing backs and Gonzalo Luján and Micael dos Santos the center backs.

With Bright putting out defensive fires in the midfield and Segovia's exceptional passing and dribbling skills helping connect the back and front lines, some combination of Fray, Reguilón and/or De Paul can push up to press the attack. Yes, it leaves the Herons vulnerable to the counterattack, but it has helped Miami score a league-leading 39 goals.

The question becomes, "Where does Casemiro fit?" The 34-year-old Brazilian has been one of the best midfielders of his generation, but at 34 he no longer has the recovery speed to snuff out counters, a vulnerability that hurt Brazil in its recent World Cup run. His strength, experience and soccer IQ will improve the lineup, and he still is dangerous in the attack, but who would Hoyos sit to make room for him? Segovia, a quality playmaker, defender and scoring threat? Bright, a defensive warrior?

We know it won't be De Paul, a designated player and one of Messi's closest friends. Which raises another question: How will Miami pay yet another superstar? It already is using the three DP spots allowed by MLS (Messi, De Paul and Berterame). Earlier this week MLS Commissioner Don Garber hinted that the league may be ready to ease payroll restrictions without providing any details, but under current rules, the Herons will have to move one of their DPs if they want to pay Casemiro anything like the estimated $29.7 million he made at Manchester United.

I hope the Herons have a plan for Casemiro to make the Messi project better, not just more marketable. Hopefully we'll start getting answers soon.