Marc Casado must choose between remaining at Barcelona in a limited role or leaving in search of regular first-team football, after being warned that opportunities in Hansi Flick’s midfield will be severely restricted.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Barcelona have made it clear to the 22-year-old that they will not force him out because he remains under contract. However, the club has also been frank about his likely position in the squad if he decides to stay, with Flick acknowledging that competition for midfield places is exceptionally strong.
Casado’s lack of playing time is already a concern. He played about 1,000 minutes fewer last season than he had during his first campaign under Flick, despite featuring in almost the same number of matches, with 34 appearances in each season.
Flick has explained to Casado that he currently sits behind Pedri, Gavi, Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia in the midfield pecking order. Garcia’s ability to operate in several positions makes him particularly well suited to Flick’s tactical approach.
Should Casado remain at Barcelona, he knows he will have to produce an exceptional effort to revive his prospects and force his way back into contention among a group of established players. The decision, however, remains entirely his.
Barcelona do not want to sell Casado cheaply. The club regard him as a valuable asset and a promising player who is still at an early stage of his career. He has represented Spain at senior international level and has consistently impressed whenever he has been given the opportunity to play for Barcelona.
The Catalan club received a number of approaches for the midfielder before 30 June. Barcelona came close to accepting an offer worth only 10m euros, but ultimately chose to wait in the hope of securing a more profitable transfer that would better reflect Casado’s true value.
His situation has also attracted interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, which have made financially attractive proposals to the young Spain international.
Casado is understood to be highly reluctant to move to a league he considers below Europe’s leading competitions, although those close to him are divided over whether the transfer would be the right step.
Some of his advisers believe a move to Saudi Arabia could provide an exceptional financial opportunity that may not come again. Others fear that switching to the Saudi Pro League so early in his career could damage his technical development and reduce his chances of representing Spain in the future.
For now, Casado’s future remains unresolved. He is expected to make the final decision in the coming days or weeks, as pressure grows for him to settle his position before the summer transfer window closes.
Barcelona also need clarity from the player so they can plan the rest of their season, while Casado must weigh the prospect of fighting for a place at Camp Nou against the chance to secure regular football and a potentially lucrative move elsewhere.
