Barcelona’s midfield logjam has pushed young talent Marc Casado toward a summer exit, with Saudi Arabia now a serious option.
Out of Favor at Barcelona: Casado Seriously Considering Summer Exit
The 22-year-old La Masia product initially dreamed of cementing his place at Camp Nou.
But a sharp reduction in playing time under Hansi Flick has forced him to reconsider his future. Casado now actively weighs a move abroad, according to reports from AS.
The numbers tell a clear story. Casado has made 29 appearances across all competitions this season but has only registered one assist. More tellingly, he has lost his spot in Flick’s rotation entirely.
Barcelona’s midfield presents a brutal bottleneck. Frenkie de Jong and Pedri start automatically when fit.
Gavi has returned from injury, and rising star Marc Bernal continues to gain prominence.
Even defender Eric Garcia has featured in midfield ahead of Casado in certain matches—a damning sign of his current standing.
At the start of the 2025/26 campaign, injuries gave Casado a consistent run. He showed composure and tactical discipline. But once the squad returned to full strength, his involvement evaporated.
Now, Casado openly considers a departure. Saudi Arabian clubs have made contact, offering both financial security and the promise of regular first-team football. The move appeals as a fresh start rather than a mere payday.
However, Premier League sides also monitor the situation closely. If Casado prefers to remain in Europe, England could provide a competitive alternative.
For Barcelona, losing another homegrown midfielder would sting. But with minutes increasingly scarce, Casado’s exit feels inevitable.
The coming weeks will determine whether he heads to the Middle East or stays in Europe for a fresh challenge.
