Marc Casado’s future at Barcelona remains unresolved, with Al-Hilal yet to reach an agreement with the Catalan club over a potential transfer for the 22-year-old midfielder.
Al-Hilal have already made a formal approach for Casado, but Barcelona rejected the offer in July. Negotiations have continued since then, although the two clubs remain some distance apart and have not been able to settle the terms of a final agreement.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the main obstacle is the clubs’ differing assessments of Casado’s value. Barcelona want more than €30m for the player and are hoping to move closer to a fee of €40m. Al-Hilal, however, are not prepared to meet that level of valuation, leaving the proposed move in a state of deadlock.
The discussions between Al-Hilal and Casado himself are understood to have progressed significantly. There is a good understanding between the player and the Saudi Pro League club, but any personal agreement will only lead to a transfer if Barcelona and Al-Hilal can narrow the gap in their negotiations.
Casado is also attracting interest from a number of European leagues. That interest is viewed positively by the Barcelona academy graduate, who has options beyond a move to Saudi Arabia.
Clubs from Serie A, the Bundesliga and the Premier League are monitoring his situation closely, although none of those teams has made a formal offer at this stage.
For now, Al-Hilal’s proposal remains the most serious approach for Casado. However, the financial disagreement with Barcelona means the transfer is currently stalled, despite the progress made in the player’s discussions with the Saudi club.
Barcelona are holding out for a fee that reflects their assessment of Casado’s market value, while Al-Hilal are unwilling to reach the figure the Spanish club considers acceptable. Until that difference is resolved, the midfielder’s next move remains uncertain.
