Barcelona’s rising star Marc Casadó has reportedly not ruled out a departure from Catalonia this summer, with Atlético Madrid and Manchester United both on high alert for the 22-year-old’s signature.
While Hansi Flick has officially “closed the door” on any move during the current January window, the situation is expected to shift significantly in June. According to reports from Sport, Casadó is prepared to wait until the end of the season to evaluate his standing in the squad before making a definitive decision on his future.
The Madrid vs. Manchester Battle
The race for the midfielder is heating up, led by two prominent suitors:
- Atlético Madrid: Diego Simeone is keen to bolster his midfield, and the club has already initiated talks with agent Jorge Mendes. Casadó is reportedly fond of the idea of staying in Spain and sees the Colchoneros as a perfect fit for his playing style.
- Manchester United: Following a specific request from interim boss Michael Carrick, the Red Devils have also enquired about Casadó’s availability. While no official bid has been placed, United’s interest signals that a move to the Premier League remains a distinct possibility.
Competition for Minutes
Despite having the trust of Hansi Flick, Casadó has struggled to cement a permanent starting role, often serving as an “immediate substitute” during injury crises. With a contract running until 2028, the player believes he has the quality to be a regular starter and is unwilling to spend another season as a rotational option.
Season Stats & Market Value:
- Market Value: €24 million
- Appearances: 19
- Minutes Played: 871
- Contract Ends: June 30, 2028
The Decision Ahead
Jorge Mendes has made it clear that while Casadó remains committed to Barcelona’s title charge for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign, his happiness in June will be the deciding factor. If his minutes don’t increase, Barcelona may be forced to cash in on their academy graduate to help balance their ongoing financial fair play challenges.
Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
