Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado remains of interest to clubs in Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal yet to meet the Spanish club’s valuation of the 22-year-old.
The Saudi giants are interested in signing Casado, who is understood to view a move to Al-Hilal positively. However, journalist Ferran Martinez reports that the club is not currently prepared to satisfy Barcelona’s financial demands for the midfielder.
Barcelona want to receive at least €30m for Casado, who came through the club’s youth academy. That figure remains beyond what Al-Hilal are willing to pay at this stage, leaving the Saudi club unable to meet the request made by the Catalan side.
Casado’s position on a potential transfer has emerged despite previous reports suggesting he wanted to continue his career in one of Europe’s leading leagues. The midfielder is nevertheless receptive to the prospect of joining Al-Hilal, according to the information cited by Martinez.
The contrast between Barcelona’s asking price and Casado’s estimated market value is significant. Transfermarkt experts value the player at €18m, which is €12m below the amount Barcelona want to secure from his sale.
Barcelona’s valuation reflects their desire to earn a minimum of €30m from the departure of a player developed within their own academy. Al-Hilal, meanwhile, have not yet agreed to that level of expenditure, meaning the club’s interest has not resulted in a deal.
Casado is 22 and Spanish, and his possible move would represent a decision between remaining in the European football environment and accepting an opportunity with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. While he has previously been linked with a preference for a top European league, the midfielder’s positive attitude towards a transfer to the Saudi club keeps the possibility open.
For now, the principal obstacle is financial. Al-Hilal remain interested in Casado, but Barcelona’s requirement for no less than €30m has not been met. The player’s Transfermarkt valuation stands at €18m, while the Catalan club continues to place a higher price on the academy graduate.
No agreement has therefore been reached, and Al-Hilal have not satisfied Barcelona’s request for the midfielder. The situation leaves Casado’s future unresolved, with the Saudi club’s willingness to match the €30m demand likely to determine whether its interest develops further.
