Marc Casado’s Barcelona career appears to be nearing its end, with Sunderland emerging as a serious contender for the midfielder’s signature as the transfer window enters its final days.
Sunderland Join Race for Barcelona Outcast Marc Casado
The 22-year-old La Masia graduate has fallen out of favour under Hansi Flick and has been training separately from the main group for weeks while his representatives search for a solution.
Barcelona have further signalled his departure by stripping him of the number 17 shirt and reassigning it to new arrival Anthony Gordon.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Sunderland have joined a growing list of Premier League suitors that includes Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Brighton.
The Black Cats are now actively negotiating Casado’s arrival as they look to strengthen their midfield options ahead of a campaign that involves both Premier League and Europa League football.
Super-agent Jorge Mendes is working on potential destinations for his client, who has received attractive offers from Saudi Arabia but prefers to remain in Europe and continue his career at a high level.
That decision has opened the door to the Premier League, where Sunderland are pushing hard to win the race for his signature.
Barcelona value the Spaniard at between €30 million and €40 million (approximately £25.8 million to £34.4 million). With his contract running until 2028, the Catalan club are in no rush to accept a low offer.
A successful sale would provide Barcelona with pure profit to fund further late-market moves and continue shaping their squad.
Whether Sunderland’s reported interest develops into a concrete deal remains to be seen, but the Championship side are certainly making their presence felt in the race for one of Barcelona’s most high-profile outcasts.
