Al-Ahli move brings Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado into direct Saudi rivalry

Al-Ahli have contacted Barcelona to explore a deal for midfielder Marc Casado, entering a transfer race with Al-Hilal that could develop significantly in the coming days.

The Saudi clubs are competing for one of the emerging names from La Liga during the current summer transfer window, turning Casado’s situation into a direct contest between two of the biggest sides in the Roshn Saudi League.

According to trusted journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Al-Ahli have approached Barcelona to ask about the possibility of signing the Spanish midfielder. Casado has attracted clear interest from the Saudi club, which is now seeking to understand the conditions required to complete a potential move.

Al-Ahli regard Casado as one of their preferred options for strengthening the defensive side of their midfield and squad. The club believes he could provide the required technical addition while also offering the ability to operate in more than one position. That versatility would give Al-Ahli greater tactical flexibility.

Al-Hilal were among the first Saudi clubs to show an interest in Casado in recent months. However, Al-Ahli’s decision to join the negotiations has transformed the situation into a direct Saudi battle between the two Roshn Saudi League sides.

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Tavolieri reports that Al-Ahli are working to persuade Barcelona to approve the transfer. At the same time, the Saudi club believes it can reach an agreement with Casado over personal terms, a factor that could give it an important advantage during the negotiations.

The interest in the Spanish player reflects Al-Ahli’s desire to add young footballers with the potential to develop. Casado’s experience of playing for Barcelona makes him a particularly suitable target for the club’s plans for the next stage of its project.

Any final decision on the transfer remains with Barcelona. The Catalan club will have to consider Al-Ahli’s approach alongside the existing interest from Al-Hilal before Casado’s future becomes clear.

For now, the midfielder’s position has become one of the transfer issues to watch over the coming days. Al-Ahli’s involvement has added fresh urgency to the negotiations, while Al-Hilal’s earlier interest ensures that the pursuit is not limited to a single Saudi offer.

The developing contest also underlines the growing competition between leading Roshn Saudi League clubs in the summer market. With both Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal interested, Barcelona’s response and Casado’s view on the proposed personal terms are expected to be central to the next stage of the process.