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‘Better than Barcelona!’ - Marc Casado has completed a late summer loan switch to Deportivo La Coruna, but the midfielder has already sparked plenty of discussion with his first impression of his new surroundings. The La Masia product, who had fallen out of Hansi Flick’s plans, was filmed making a striking comparison between the newly-promoted club and his parent side.

Stunning facilities claim from La Masia graduate

In comments that are sure to turn heads across Catalonia, Casado admitted he was completely taken aback by the infrastructure at newly-promoted Deportivo La Coruna. The 22-year-old midfielder, who spent his entire development pathway at Barcelona’s globally renowned La Masia academy, went as far as suggesting that his new club offers standards even higher than those at the Blaugrana.

While being shown around the training base with fellow new signing Jose Maria Gimenez and sporting director Fernando Soriano, Casado paused as soon as he stepped into the first-team dressing room. Clearly impressed by what he saw in Galicia, the midfielder was heard saying: “This is better than Barca and everything.” The comment was so unexpected that Soriano immediately checked again, asking him: “Really?” Casado then replied firmly: “Yeah, seriously.”

Transfer details and Hansi Flick’s decision

The transfer brings to a close a lengthy summer of doubt for Casado, who had been informed early in pre-season that he was not part of Flick’s immediate plans. Although the German coach preferred other choices in the pivot position, Casado had initially been unwilling to move away from Camp Nou.

This is not merely a straightforward development loan, with Deportivo securing an important say over the player’s long-term future. The agreement contains a €30 million purchase option, underlining that the Galician side see Casado as a key part of their project going forward rather than just a short-term solution.

Snubbing international interest for La Liga

Casado’s move to the Riazor is being viewed as a major success for Deportivo, particularly given the scale of interest in him. During the summer transfer window, the defensive midfielder received multiple approaches from overseas, including lucrative offers from clubs in England, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig were also reported to have shown serious interest in the Spaniard before the transfer to Depor was finally completed.

In the end, the appeal of remaining in Spain and becoming part of an ambitious sporting project proved decisive. Before leaving for his new club, Casado spoke to reporters at El Prat Airport to explain how he was approaching the change. He spoke positively about the opportunity in front of him, saying: “It’s a very good project. I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

Looking ahead to the new challenge

Deportivo have made no secret of their excitement over the signing, praising both his versatility and his technical quality. In the club’s official statement, they stressed that, despite his age, he already arrives with substantial top-level experience, saying: “Despite his young age, he already comes with a notable experience in elite football and an impressive honours list, including two LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey and two Supercopas de Espana.

“With his signing, Depor adds a highly promising and versatile player to the squad, but one who is already accustomed to football at the highest level and with experience in both domestic and international competitions.”

Casado’s eye-catching comparison between the facilities at the two clubs is likely to add an extra edge to any future meeting involving the sides, but for the moment his attention is fixed on making his debut. The Galician outfit have made a steady start to the season, and the former La Masia midfielder could make his first appearance as early as Saturday against Villarreal.