Barcelona tell Marc Casado he faces limited role as Saudi Pro League clubs circle

Marc Casado’s future at Barcelona is uncertain after Hansi Flick made it clear that the midfielder is unlikely to receive regular first-team football if he remains at the club, while Saudi Pro League sides have made financially attractive offers for the Spain international.

Barcelona have told the 22-year-old he will not be forced to leave because he remains under contract. However, according to Spanish newspaper AS, the club has also been open with Casado about the nature of his likely role, warning that he would be a secondary player if he chooses to stay at Camp Nou.

Flick has indicated that competition for places in midfield is particularly intense and that it will be difficult for Casado to secure sufficient playing time during the current season.

Casado’s involvement was already significantly reduced last season. Although he appeared in approximately the same number of matches as in his first campaign under Flick – 34 games – he played almost 1,000 fewer minutes.

The German manager has explained the situation directly to the player. Casado is currently behind Pedri, Gavi, Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia in the midfield pecking order.

Eric Garcia’s ability to operate in several positions makes him especially valuable to Flick’s tactical approach, further complicating Casado’s prospects of establishing himself as a regular starter.

Should Casado decide to remain at Barcelona, he knows he would need to make an exceptional effort to rebuild his position within the squad and compete with several established first-team players. Despite the pressure surrounding his future, the final decision remains his.

Barcelona do not want to sell Casado for a reduced fee. The club regards him as a valuable asset and a promising young player who is still at an early stage of his career.

He has represented Spain at senior international level and has consistently impressed when given opportunities for Barcelona, producing performances that have highlighted his technical ability.

The Catalan club received several offers for Casado before 30 June and came close to accepting a bid worth only 10m euros. Barcelona ultimately chose not to rush into a sale and decided to wait for a more profitable transfer that better reflects the player’s perceived value.

Casado has also received lucrative proposals from clubs in the Saudi Pro League. The midfielder is understood to be highly reluctant to move to a competition regarded as below Europe’s major leagues, although those close to him are divided over whether the transfer would be beneficial.

Some of his advisers believe a move to Saudi Arabia would represent an exceptional financial opportunity that may not come again. Others fear that leaving European football at such an early point in his career could damage his technical development and reduce his future chances of playing for Spain.

No decision has yet been reached. Casado is expected to determine his next move in the coming days or weeks, with pressure increasing as Barcelona seek clarity before the summer transfer window closes.

The club needs to know whether he intends to stay or pursue a move so it can plan the remainder of the season, while Casado must weigh the prospect of limited minutes at Barcelona against the financial rewards and sporting risks of a move to Saudi Arabia.