Barcelona’s Casadó faces Saudi exit as Rodri deal looms
Marc Casadó’s days at FC Barcelona appear numbered, with the 22-year-old midfielder set to leave the club. Formed in the Catalan side’s youth system, Casadó has featured sparingly, and the potential signing of Rodri from Manchester City would further limit his playing time. The midfielder has already accelerated talks to finalise his exit, with his agent Jorge Mendes tasked with securing the best outcome for all parties while maximising revenue for Barcelona’s coffers.
The player is currently weighing options, and if European interest fails to materialise at the club’s €40 million valuation, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a viable destination. Al Hilal and Al Ahli are both pursuing Casadó, with reports suggesting a potential auction could drive up the fee, benefiting Barcelona financially. The Saudi clubs’ interest contrasts sharply with lukewarm European offers, which have reached only €10 million—far below the Catalan club’s asking price.
Barcelona’s financial situation is driving the urgency. The club is mounting an unexpected financial push to sign Rodri, while also needing to bolster its finances to register new players. Casadó’s departure has thus become a near-term priority. European interest has been tepid, with bids failing to meet the €40 million target set by the club. This gap has elevated the Saudi option, despite Casadó’s initial reluctance to consider a move to the Middle East.
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Al Hilal currently holds a slight edge in the race for Casadó, though Barcelona has prior dealings with the Saudi club in its pursuit of João Cancelo. The two transfers are proceeding independently but in parallel. Meanwhile, Al Ahli, whose sporting director maintains close ties to Mendes, could yet outbid Al Hilal if a higher offer materialises. The agent’s commitment to securing the best deal for all sides has framed the negotiations, with Casadó now viewing the financial incentives—including a potential cut of the transfer fee—as a compelling reason to proceed.
The outcome for Casadó and Rodri is expected to be decided within the next week, with both players’ futures set to be resolved simultaneously. Barcelona’s need for funds and the midfielder’s limited prospects at Camp Nou have created a convergence of interests that may soon send Casadó to Saudi Arabia, should European clubs fail to meet the valuation.
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Jorge Mendes is handling Casadó’s negotiations and has pledged to find a solution that satisfies Barcelona, the player, and any interested clubs. The agent’s involvement underscores the high stakes, as the club seeks to balance its financial restructuring with the realities of a competitive transfer market.