Al-Hilal ready to go bigger for Barcelona’s out-of-favour Marc Casado

Al-Hilal are preparing an improved offer for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado before the end of the summer transfer window, with the Saudi club stepping up their efforts after learning that the player has not made a final decision about his future.

Casado’s next move remains unresolved, but his situation is increasingly pointing towards a possible transfer to Al-Hilal. The club have already made several attempts to sign the 21-year-old, including proposals worth close to €30m, and are now ready to increase their bid in an effort to convince both the player and Barcelona.

Sport, citing Saudi newspaper Al-Youm, reports that Al-Hilal have decided to intensify their pursuit because Casado has yet to settle on his preferred destination.

“Al-Hilal are preparing to submit a new offer to sign Marc Casado after confirming that the player has not made a final decision about his future,” the report said.

Al-Hilal are not the only Saudi club monitoring Casado’s position. Al-Ahli have also shown an interest in the young midfielder and continue to follow developments.

Barcelona’s stance remains firm: the club will not allow Casado to leave for less than €40m. A deal at around that figure would be important to Barcelona for two reasons. It would resolve the future of a player who does not appear to be among the club’s priority options, while also generating significant income and creating additional room within their finances.

Casado’s sporting position at Barcelona has become more difficult while he waits for a decision to be reached. He is now outside the first-team plans, along with several other players whose futures have also not been settled.

Jofre Torrents, Tommy Marques, Casado, Hector Fort, Toni Fernandez and Guille Fernandez trained away from the main group last Tuesday.

The midfielder’s uncertain status has therefore been shaped by both the transfer interest from Saudi Arabia and his reduced role within Barcelona’s first-team plans. Al-Hilal’s willingness to return with a larger proposal could now bring the situation closer to a conclusion, although Al-Ahli’s continued interest means there remains competition for his signature.

Barcelona’s €40m valuation is higher than the offers Al-Hilal have made so far, but the Saudi club’s decision to prepare an improved bid suggests negotiations could enter a decisive stage before the summer window closes.

With Al-Hilal ready to renew their approach and Al-Ahli continuing to monitor the player, the coming days may prove crucial in determining where Casado will continue his career.