Marc Casado weighs Saudi riches after Barcelona make first-team chances clear

Marc Casado is facing a decision over whether to remain at Barcelona in a reduced role or leave in search of regular first-team football, with Saudi Pro League clubs offering the Spain midfielder a lucrative alternative.

Barcelona have told the 22-year-old he will not be forced out because he remains under contract, but have also made it clear that his opportunities will be severely limited if he stays at the club, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Manager Hansi Flick has warned Casado that competition for places in midfield is particularly intense and that securing enough playing time this season will be difficult.

The midfielder’s involvement was already significantly reduced last season. He played about 1,000 minutes fewer than he had during his first campaign under Flick, despite appearing in almost the same number of matches – 34 in total.

Flick has spoken to Casado openly about his position in the squad. Pedri, Gavi, Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia are all currently ahead of him in the midfield pecking order.

Eric Garcia’s ability to operate in several positions makes him especially valuable to Flick’s tactical approach, further complicating Casado’s route back into the starting XI.

Should Casado choose to stay, he knows he would have to make an exceptional effort to work his way back into contention against a group of established players. The final decision, however, remains his.

Barcelona recognise that Casado needs consistent football to continue developing and believe his technical quality means he should be able to find a suitable club willing to offer him a more prominent role.

The Catalan club do not want to sell him cheaply. They regard him as a valuable asset and a promising young player who remains at an early stage of his career. Casado has represented Spain at senior international level and has regularly impressed whenever he has been given the opportunity to play for Barcelona.

Before 30 June, Barcelona received several approaches for the midfielder. The club came close to accepting an offer worth only 10m euros, but ultimately decided against rushing into a deal that would not reflect his true value.

Instead, Barcelona chose to wait in the hope of securing a more profitable transfer, should Casado decide that leaving is the best option for his career.

Casado has received attractive financial proposals from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, but he is understood to be seriously hesitant about moving to a competition regarded as below Europe’s major leagues.

Those close to the player are divided over the potential move. Some believe the Saudi offer represents an exceptional financial opportunity that may not come again, while others fear that joining the league at such an early point in his career could harm his technical development and reduce his future chances of representing Spain.

For now, Casado’s next step remains unresolved. He is expected to make the final decision in the coming days or weeks, with pressure increasing to settle his situation before the summer transfer window closes.

Barcelona need clarity over his intentions so they can plan the rest of the season, while Casado must weigh the prospect of remaining at one of Europe’s biggest clubs against the playing time and financial rewards available elsewhere.