Barcelona sets €40 million valuation for Marc Casado amid managerial shift
The Spanish giants have rejected one initial proposal below their asking price, with agent Jorge Mendes now engaged in discussions regarding the midfielder’s future.
Barcelona have established a €40 million asking price for 22-year-old midfielder Marc Casado, signalling a decisive shift in the club’s approach to its academy graduates. According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, manager Hansi Flick has instructed the club to listen to offers for the player, indicating that Casado is available for transfer before the summer window closes.
The decision comes as Barcelona seeks to secure further sales following the permanent departures of Ansu Fati and Inaki Pena. Flick believes the squad possesses sufficient depth in defensive midfield, even with Frenkie de Jong sidelined by injury, thereby reducing Casado’s immediate necessity in the first-team plans. The club has already rejected one proposal that fell short of the €40 million valuation.
Financial considerations appear to be a primary driver in the club’s stance. As a La Masia graduate, the transfer fee for Casado would count almost entirely as profit under Financial Fair Play regulations. With transfer fees rising across Europe and the Middle East, Barcelona views the €40 million figure as a fair reflection of current market values for an academy product.
Casado’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is actively discussing the player’s future with the club. Interest from the Saudi Pro League remains persistent, with Barcelona monitoring the heavy spending of clubs in the region. While Casado has travelled with the squad to England, his status for the upcoming season remains uncertain, and a move to Saudi Arabia is considered a plausible outcome.
The situation presents a complex governance challenge for the club. Casado enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the 2024-25 season, earning his first call-up to the Spain national team. However, his playing time dropped considerably last season, casting doubt on his long-term role under Flick. While selling an academy graduate who understands the club’s style is traditionally difficult, the club faces pressure to balance squad development with financial prudence.
