Transfers
Barcelona's €30‑40m Casado sale hangs on De Jong's injury
A potential €30‑40 million price tag for La Masia graduate Marc Casado may be paused after Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong reported to the Ciutat Esportiva on Monday for an initial assessment, with early signs indicating a serious knee problem that could sideline him for up to four months, possibly until November.
The injury concerns stem from the World Cup, where De Jong may have suffered a significant knee injury. Barcelona has described the Dutch midfielder’s condition as one of its biggest worries ahead of the new season and is refusing to speculate on the severity until full medical tests are completed.
Javi Miguel of AS reported that a lengthy injury to De Jong could affect Barcelona’s summer transfer planning. The Catalans have been listening to offers for the young Spaniard, with talks underway with clubs from Saudi Arabia. The Blaugrana hope for a proposal of around €30‑40 million for the La Masia graduate, a sale seen as a way to balance the midfield after De Jong’s absence.
Casado has consistently stated that he wishes to stay at Barcelona and fight for his spot, aiming to impress in pre‑season. Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images shows the young Spaniard training with the first team, while a later picture by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images captures the cautious atmosphere at the training ground.
Until the final medical results are available, both De Jong’s recovery timeline and Barcelona’s transfer strategy with Casado remain uncertain. The club may reconsider the sale if the injury persists, highlighting the broader market dynamics as Saudi Arabian interest continues to shape European clubs’ midfield restructuring plans.