Barcelona have focused their efforts on maintaining their squad rather than fiddling and trading in recent years, but there’s no doubt they’re increasingly open for business as they continue to grapple with wage constraints. Fermín Lopez and Marc Casado were heavily linked with exits last summer and the latter will once again be a topic of conversation.
Casado will reportedly be allowed to leave at the end of the transfer window for around €30 million, with West Ham United and Wolves mentioned as potential destinations. However Casado decided to stay at the club, prioritizing another season under Hansi Flick.
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Conflicting rumors about Casado’s future
In recent weeks, however, reports have emerged that Casado is willing to move to Saudi Arabia this summer. After the summer, Casado signed with Jorge Mendes, a super agent with close ties to the Middle East. He could arrange a few years’ leave from European football, by which time Casado could return to Europe at the peak of his career and have sufficient financial security. But at the same time, there are also reports that Barcelona is trying to sign a new contract with Casado.
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Saudi Arabia to meet with Marc Casado
The latest development comes from Saudi Arabia, with 365scores (via Sports) reporting that the kingdom will hold a meeting with Casado’s agent to see if he is interested in a move. If he approves, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund will approve a deal worth more than 40 million euros.
Barcelona could get less from Casado
It seems unlikely that Saudi Arabia will pay the odds this way, given that Casado was offered €30 million last summer and that Casado made far fewer appearances when he entered the Spain squad than last year. If Casado is negotiating a new deal, interest from another party will undoubtedly help drive up the price. His contract with Barcelona currently runs until 2028, which means Barcelona may want to cash in or extend his contract.
