Barcelona’s Marc Casado nears Al-Hilal move after surprise omission from squad

Marc Casado’s departure from Barcelona is edging closer after the midfielder was unexpectedly left out of the squad travelling to Udine for friendly matches against Udinese and Nottingham Forest, with negotiations over a move to Al-Hilal making further progress.

The 22-year-old was at Barcelona’s training complex before leaving without joining the team’s travelling party to Italy. His omission has increased speculation that his time at the Catalan club could be coming to an end, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Casado’s future has become one of the key issues facing Barcelona’s board after Al-Hilal stepped up their interest in the Spain Under-? [No, original says Spanish midfielder; don’t add U-level.] midfielder. The Saudi Pro League club made an initial offer for him in July, but Barcelona rejected it because it did not meet their financial demands.

Although talks between the two clubs had stalled, the situation has changed as Al-Hilal’s discussions with Casado have developed. The relationship between the player and the Saudi club is now understood to be positive, and the transfer appears closer to completion than at any previous point.

Barcelona want more than €30m (£26m) for Casado, while the Spanish club’s ambition is to move closer to a fee of €40m (£35m). Al-Hilal were not initially prepared to reach that level.

However, Casado’s exclusion from the trip to Italy is viewed as a significant sign that negotiations have entered a more serious phase. It could help clear the way for an agreement between the clubs in the coming days.

Barcelona continue to value Casado’s ability, but his position in Hansi Flick’s plans has changed since last season, when his role gradually diminished. The club’s strong interest in Manchester City midfielder Rodri has provided another indication of how Barcelona could reshape their midfield and has added uncertainty over Casado’s prospects.

Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri suggests the club are looking to strengthen and reorganise their options in central midfield. That development has further underlined the possibility that Casado could leave during the final part of the summer transfer window.

Casado was not the only player omitted from Barcelona’s travelling squad. Swedish winger Roony Bardghji was also left out of the group heading to Udine.

Bardghji, 20, is believed not to have the role within Flick’s plans that he needs to continue his development. The winger joined Barcelona from Copenhagen only a year ago, but he is now also among the players who could leave before the transfer window closes.

While Bardghji’s situation remains separate from the negotiations involving Casado, both absences point to changes in Barcelona’s squad planning. Casado, meanwhile, appears increasingly likely to begin the next stage of his career with Al-Hilal if the clubs can reach agreement on the transfer fee.