In a surprising turn of events, SPORT has revealed that a team from Saudi Arabia expressed interest in signing Barcelona’s emerging talent, Marc Casado, during the last transfer window.
The 21-year-old midfielder has caught the eye due to his impressive performances, quickly becoming an essential player under manager Hansi Flick.
Casado’s timely rise within the Barcelona squad came when the team faced injury woes, and he used the opportunity to showcase his skills and adaptability on the pitch.
His consistent displays have made him a regular in the starting lineup, cementing his place and demonstrating his commitment to the club.
This dedication has not gone unnoticed internationally, particularly in the Saudi Pro League, where several top clubs and investment groups made significant financial offers to Barcelona this summer.
Aware of Barcelona’s ongoing financial difficulties, several Saudi clubs reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring players like Raphinha, Vitor Roque, Robert Lewandowski, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inigo Martinez, and Marc Casado, with one club even offering up to €8 million for Casado, despite him not yet being a regular starter at the time.
However, the proposed deal for Casado ultimately fell through, allowing Barcelona to hold on to their young prospect. In a decisive move, Casado recently signed an extension with the club until 2028, further securing his future at Barcelona.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has emphasized the importance of La Masia in the club’s philosophy. Despite offers from investment funds seeking to acquire shares in some of Barcelona’s promising young players, Laporta firmly rejected them.
Though financial challenges persist for Barcelona, the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent remains unwavering. Casado’s new contract and the club’s dedication to developing players from within reinforce their focus on investing in youth rather than external ventures.
