Marc Casado set for Barcelona departure as Besiktas push for late deal

Marc Casado is edging closer to leaving Barcelona this summer after falling out of Hansi Flick’s plans, with Besiktas stepping up efforts to secure the midfielder before the transfer window closes.

The Turkish club has maintained its interest in Casado since the beginning of the summer and has intensified its attempts in recent days to persuade both Barcelona and the player to agree to a move.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Besiktas began its approach through Casado’s agent, Jorge Mendes, before opening discussions with Barcelona sporting director Deco.

Eduard Graf, Besiktas’ sporting director and a former scout at Borussia Dortmund, has been one of the principal figures supporting the club’s pursuit of the 21-year-old. The Turkish side sees Casado as a player who could strengthen its midfield, although an agreement has yet to be reached with Barcelona or the footballer.

Barcelona initially placed a valuation of about 20m euros on Casado. However, the approaching transfer deadline could lead the Catalan club to reconsider its financial demands, particularly after it achieved its sales objectives for the summer.

One of those departures was Ferran Torres’ move to Paris St-Germain. With Barcelona having already completed a number of its planned sales, the club may be more willing to negotiate over Casado’s fee as the final days of the window approach.

Besiktas are not the only club competing for the midfielder. German side RB Leipzig have also entered the race, while several English clubs are understood to have shown an interest. It remains unclear whether any of those approaches have resulted in formal offers.

Casado is keen on joining a European club where he can play regularly and rebuild his presence on the pitch. His opportunities at Barcelona have declined, leaving the midfielder considering a move away from the club where he developed.

The player and Mendes are now working with Barcelona to determine his next destination during the remaining days of the transfer window. Besiktas’ renewed activity has made them one of the leading contenders, but Leipzig and the interested English clubs could still influence the outcome if they make concrete proposals.

Casado’s immediate future has become one of the late transfer-window decisions Barcelona must resolve. With his role under Flick reduced and several clubs monitoring his situation, the midfielder could leave the Camp Nou before the market closes if one of the interested sides meets the club’s requirements and agrees personal terms with the player.