The unexpected destination to which Barcelona could have let Marc Casadó go

Published:5/11/2024 - 11:42h

Updated:6/11/2024 - 08:27h

FC Barcelona had the option of selling Marc Casadó during the past summer market, to a totally unexpected destination. Fortunately, for the culés, this negotiation did not come to a successful conclusion

If it's about taking steps forward, the name that unequivocally comes to mind so far in this 2024-2025 season for FC Barcelona is that of Marc Casado. The Sant Pere de Vilamajor native hadn't managed to establish himself in the dynamics of the first team of the Culés in past seasons, despite being part of more than one call-up that made it clear Xavi Hernández at least had him in the pool of players to consider, though without giving him enough confidence to assume a leading role, limiting him to just 63 minutes of action in a total of five matches.

However, after the change of coach, with Hansi Flick succeeding Xavi Hernández for this 2024-25 season, Casado began to be taken more into account in the first team, to the point that after a preseason in which the German coach could evaluate him closely, he earned a place in the sports planning for this season.

Initially considered a player destined to provide depth to the Blaugrana squad, he has gradually climbed the team's priorities, seizing playing opportunities and positioning himself as one of the fundamental pillars in Hansi Flick's starting eleven, forming one of the best pivot pairs currently alongside Pedri González. Casado has become that dynamic player who brings both creativity in game creation and intensity in pressing and combat, offering a defensive complement that is essential in the midfield area of the field.

Marc Casado attracted interest from a club in Saudi Arabia

Now, FC Barcelona was very close to missing out on this 'boom' that Marc Casado has experienced in this 2024-25 season. Why? As suggested in 'SPORT', the 21-year-old midfielder was of interest to a club in the Saudi Pro League that was willing to bet on his services during the last summer transfer window, even going as far as submitting a concrete offer to the club.

The source indicates that a team, whose name has not been specified, was willing to offer up to eight million euros for the services of Marc Casado in the last summer transfer window. However, the deal did not materialize, which turned out to be positive for Barcelona, who renewed the midfielder, now a standout as captain and reference in Barça Atlètic, with a contract until 2028, granting him a spot in the first team and a release clause of 100 million euros.

Marc Casado, besides solidifying his position as a starter in the Culé team and experiencing a significant advancement in his sporting level, has seen a notable increase in his market value. According to 'Transfermarkt', at the beginning of the 2024-25 season, his value was 2.5 million euros, but in the latest update, it has reached 15 million euros and could continue to grow. This is due to his growing importance in Barça's lineup and his potential relevance for the Spanish national team, which also has him on its radar for future call-ups to the senior squad.