Barcelona’s Marc Casado faces key transfer decision as five Premier League clubs circle

Marc Casado’s future at Barcelona is moving closer to a decision after the Spanish midfielder fell out of Hansi Flick’s plans, with growing interest from five Premier League clubs.

Casado is expected to assess his options in the coming days as he considers where to continue his career. His priority is understood to be remaining in European football, despite attractive proposals from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Nottingham Forest were previously regarded as one of the leading candidates to sign the 21-year-old, but Sunderland have now entered the race strongly. Reports indicate that discussions over a possible move to Sunderland are currently taking place.

The competition for Casado’s signature is not limited to those two clubs. According to Mundo Deportivo, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Brighton have also been linked with the midfielder, giving him a broad range of potential destinations before the transfer window closes.

Casado’s likely departure from Barcelona has been further underlined by his omission from the club’s squad-number list for the new season. The number 17 shirt has instead been given to Gordon, another indication that Casado is no longer central to Flick’s plans.

The development leaves Casado facing an important decision over the next stage of his career. While the offers from Saudi Arabia could provide an alternative outside Europe, the midfielder’s preference is to continue playing in European football.

Barcelona’s decision to make Casado available comes after he was removed from the first-team picture under Flick. The club must now determine whether a transfer can be completed before the end of the market, while the player weighs the sporting merits of the competing proposals.

Sunderland’s interest has added a new dimension to the situation, with the club reportedly involved in negotiations over a transfer. Nottingham Forest remain among the clubs associated with Casado, while Aston Villa, Newcastle and Brighton are also said to be monitoring his position.

For Barcelona, a sale would provide an additional financial boost as the club continues its work in the transfer market. The income would help them complete their remaining business and finalise the squad for the new campaign.

Casado’s lack of a squad number is therefore a significant sign of his changing status at Barcelona. With Premier League interest intensifying and Saudi offers also available, the midfielder’s next move is expected to become clearer in the coming days.