‘I’ve spoken to him’… Barcelona coach provides an update on Marc Casado’s current situation amid transfer links | OneFootball

Speculation over Marc Casado’s future has refused to die down this summer. Despite the Barcelona midfielder’s evident reluctance to leave, the 21-year-old remains on the radar of several clubs across Europe. Yet, as things stand, the final decision will rest with both the player and the coaching staff.

Ahead of Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga clash against Levante, as quoted by SPORT, head coach Hansi Flick left no room for ambiguity. Addressing the speculation, the German tactician made it clear that both he and Marc Casado are aligned: the midfielder is expected to stay at the club.

“I’ve spoken to him, of course. He doesn’t want to leave, and I don’t want him to leave. It’s going to be a difficult season, and we need all the players. He gives us confidence, and that’s what I want as a coach. We want to achieve a lot of things, and that’s why we need all the players.”

Strong interest from Europe

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Despite Flick’s reassurance, Barcelona have not completely closed the door on a departure, mainly due to financial pressures and the ongoing struggle to comply with La Liga’s 1:1 rule.

Marc Casado has several suitors, including Premier League sides Wolverhampton, Bournemouth, and West Ham, as well as La Liga clubs such as Real Betis and Atletico de Madrid.

French outfit Olympique de Marseille has also entered the race following an internal squad dispute that left Adrien Rabiot on the transfer list.

Competition for places at Barcelona

The competition in midfield also complicates Casado’s position. Last season, he earned a run of games as a starter when Marc Bernal and Frenkie de Jong were sidelined with injuries. However, once the Dutchman returned to full fitness, Casado’s minutes dropped significantly.

Adding to the challenges, the Catalan midfielder suffered a ligament injury in March following a clash with Antoine Griezmann at the Metropolitano. Although he recovered and returned to the squad, he remained on the bench during the final four league fixtures without featuring on the pitch.

Sporting value vs financial needs

For now, Flick’s endorsement makes Casado’s stay at Barcelona the most likely scenario from a sporting perspective. The German tactician values the midfielder’s versatility, reliability, and attitude, making it clear he wants him in the squad for what is expected to be a demanding season.

Nevertheless, with Barcelona still working on player registrations and under heavy financial constraints, an eventual sale cannot be fully ruled out. Casado’s case reflects the delicate balance the club must strike between financial necessity and preserving squad depth ahead of a crucial campaign.