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Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has reportedly reached an understanding with the club’s sporting management to complete a move away from Catalonia during the upcoming summer transfer window. The young midfielder has struggled to secure consistent first-team action under new head coach Hansi Flick, particularly following the return of Gavi and Marc Bernal from injury. As a result, Casado has instructed his agent, Jorge Mendes, to assess official offers for a potential move.

Flick’s verdict on Casado’s position

Although Casado displayed potential in his first four seasons with the senior Barcelona side after progressing through La Masia, he has found it difficult to convince Flick of his suitability for a regular starting role. The German tactician has shown a preference for dynamic, high-energy players who align with his vertical playing philosophy. Consequently, the 22-year-old has increasingly found himself outside the main matchday plans.

According to reports from MARCA, Casado has now effectively become the fifth-choice midfielder in Flick’s hierarchy. With Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Marc Bernal all ahead of him in the pecking order—and with Barcelona actively exploring midfield signings in the transfer market—the player has privately admitted that his professional growth has stagnated at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Agreement in place for summer departure

MARCA further reveals that the club’s sporting executives and Jorge Mendes have already conducted key meetings to finalise the financial structure surrounding Casado’s departure. Barcelona have placed a market value of approximately €25 million on the defensive midfielder, a notable reduction from the higher figure set last summer, mirroring his diminished game-time and importance in the squad.

Focused on maintaining financial stability, the Barcelona board is keen to complete a permanent transfer before June 30 to help balance the books for the current fiscal year. Nonetheless, a loan move remains under consideration, as Casado is reportedly open to such an arrangement if it guarantees regular football.

Interest from Europe and Saudi Arabia

Jorge Mendes has been actively working behind the scenes in recent weeks to identify the right opportunity for his client. As per MARCA, two firm proposals are now on the table. One comes from an undisclosed European club offering top-tier football, while the other is a lucrative contract offer from the Saudi Pro League.

Both suitors are said to be willing to meet Barcelona’s financial conditions, leaving the final decision to Casado based on his personal preferences regarding lifestyle and the sporting project on offer. Negotiations are expected to progress further in the coming days.

Statistical dip in performance

In the 2024-25 season, Casado featured in 36 matches across all competitions, amassing 2,447 minutes on the pitch and directly contributing to seven goals—scoring once and providing six assists. Comparatively, the previous season saw a decline in his involvement, as he appeared in 34 games for a total of 1,397 minutes, registering only one assist throughout the campaign.