Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado joins Deportivo La Coruna on loan

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has joined newly promoted La Liga side Deportivo La Coruna on loan, with the agreement including an option for the Galician club to sign him permanently for 30 million euros at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old has moved after seeing his first-team opportunities at Barcelona become increasingly restricted. Casado has made 75 senior appearances for the Catalan club, but he has dropped behind Rodri, Frenkie de Jong and Marc Bernal in the midfield hierarchy.

Deportivo had been considering a move for the Spain international before the transfer was finalised. Casado was also keen to stay in Spain and secure more regular first-team football.

He arrives at a Deportivo side that has made an encouraging start to life back in the top flight. The Galicians drew with Elche and Malaga before recording a victory over Valencia, leaving them eighth in the La Liga table with five points from their opening three matches.

Casado could make his debut for Deportivo on Saturday, when Antonio Hidalgo’s team travel to Villarreal for their fourth league fixture of the campaign.

The midfielder has won two senior caps for Spain and offers versatility to Hidalgo’s squad, with the ability to play either as a holding midfielder or at right-back. He also brings considerable experience from the highest level of European football.

During his time with Barcelona, Casado made 49 La Liga appearances and featured 19 times in the Champions League. His honours with the club include two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and two Supercopa de Espana trophies.

The loan move gives Casado the opportunity to play a more prominent role while Deportivo strengthen their squad following promotion to La Liga. For Barcelona, the arrangement provides their young midfielder with the prospect of regular competitive football, while retaining the possibility of a permanent transfer worth 30 million euros when the season concludes.