Headline: Barcelona Faces Uncertain Future with Midfielder Marc Casado
Barcelona is successfully reducing its squad size as the new season unfolds, with notable departures including Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ronald Araujo. However, the future of midfielder Marc Casado remains unresolved, as he is not part of Hansi Flick’s plans moving forward.
With the ongoing season and the transfer deadline approaching in early September, Casado finds himself in a critical situation regarding his next steps. According to SPORT, clubs in Saudi Arabia, specifically Al Hilal and Al Ahli, have shown interest in signing him, yet no formal offers have materialized.
Casado is keen on staying in Europe to further his development following a promising stint at Barcelona. On the other hand, his reluctance to consider a move to the Middle East stems from the absence of an official proposal.
Barcelona is open to permanently offloading Casado, having already secured Rodri to strengthen their defensive midfield. Nonetheless, the club values him at approximately €30 to €40 million, making it clear that they will not let him leave for a bargain.
As the coaching staff has indicated, Casado does not fit into the team’s plans for the current season. He has ceased training with the first team, mirroring the situation of Hector Fort, who is nearing a loan move to Borussia Dortmund.
Recently, Barcelona also reassigned Casado’s number 17 kit to new recruit Anthony Gordon, signaling a definitive shift in the club’s outlook towards the midfielder. While a transfer to Dortmund could be beneficial for Casado, the steep asking price may deter the Bundesliga club, which has already invested over €100 million this window.
Barcelona have been largely successful in offloading unwanted stars going into the new season, as made evident by the departures of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo and others.
However, the club have still not been able to resolve the future of Marc Casado, who is certainly not a part of Hansi Flick’s plans for the new season.
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With the season already underway, Casado faces an important couple of weeks ahead as he looks to resolve his future before the early September deadline.
As reported by SPORT, Casado remains a key topic in Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal and Al Ahli more than keen on bringing him to the Middle East.
Casado’s future remains unresolved. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
However, there are two distinct problems. For one, the player wants to strictly remain in Europe and continue his progress after an impressive breakthrough at Barcelona.
Secondly, the interest from Saudi Arabia hasn’t materialised into a formal offer, which is why Casado hasn’t been able to actually consider a switch to the Middle East either.
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Barcelona, for their part, are ready to part ways with Casado on a permanent deal, having already roped in Rodri as the main defensive midfield figure.
But the club are not ready to let him go for cheap and value the player somewhere around €30-40 million.
Not part of Barcelona’s plans
Regardless of what happens with Casado’s future, it has been made clear by the coaching management that the player is not part of the plans for the season.
Casado has fallen out of favour at Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Casado doesn’t train with the first-team anymore, much like Hector Fort, who is closing in on a loan move to Borussia Dortmund.
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Recently, Barcelona also assigned Casado’s number 17 kit to new signing Anthony Gordon, which was the final blow for the Spaniard.
Interestingly, a move to Dortmund might make a world of sense for Casado as the German giants do require a new midfielder this season.
However, Barcelona’s hefty price-tag will likely prove too much for the Black and Yellows, who have already spent over €100 million.
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