As Barcelona prepares for the new season, a number of names have started to surface within the offices of other La Liga clubs. One player, who has recently attracted increased interest from a major club in the capital, is now on the radar of the sporting directors at Camp Nou and could become the focus of one of the most complex moves in this summer’s transfer market.
Conversations are ongoing behind the scenes, and pressure is mounting from those who see the player as the missing piece in their new tactical project, while Barcelona’s management remains extremely cautious before making any decisions.
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The player in question is Marc Casado, Barcelona’s rising midfield star and a direct target for Diego Simeone at Atlético Madrid.
The Argentine coach views him as an ideal combination of physical strength and tactical discipline and has urged his club’s management to act quickly to sign him, seeing him as a key player in his system based on pressing and intensity. However, despite his talent, Casado is currently struggling to break into the first team, given the abundance of stars in his position, such as De Jong, Gavi, Fermín, and new signing Dani Olmo. This leaves him in a precarious position regarding the starting lineup.
Barcelona has no immediate desire to part ways with the player, who enjoys strong support from Hansi Flick and is regarded as one of the most promising names in the club’s youth project.
However, due to the dire financial situation, the management of Laporta and Deco is open to considering offers that are financially viable and that could enhance the team’s balance in other positions.
Atlético Madrid, aware of Barcelona’s financial constraints, proposed a swap deal instead of a full cash payment, including a midfielder with international experience to help mitigate the cost.
The name Atlético has proposed as part of the deal is Conor Gallagher, a midfielder who joined the Madrid club from the English Premier League. However, his performances have not lived up to expectations, prompting Simeone to explore an exit strategy for him.
Nonetheless, this option was rejected by Barcelona, as Flick expressed clear reservations about Gallagher, believing his qualities did not align with the team’s needs in terms of balance and tactical flexibility.
Casado, for his part, does not show an immediate desire to leave. He feels valued in the dressing room and has strong relationships with Gavi and others.
However, if he receives a formal offer, particularly given the difficulty of securing regular playing time, he may find himself forced to make a decision that could alter the course of his future.
The coming weeks will be crucial, and with the transfer window closing soon, the question remains: Will Casado end up in the capital? Or will he continue to fight for his chance at Barcelona?
