Barcelona midfielder reluctant to leave despite reduced role under Hansi Flick – report

Barcelona midfielder reluctant to leave despite reduced role under Hansi Flick – report Since the start of the summer transfer window, one player from the first team who the club have put up for sale is Marc Casado. The 22-year-old is facing an uncertain future as Barcelona continue to reshape their midfield ahead of the new season. The former Barça Atletic captain has seen his prominence under Hansi Flick reduce after a bright start and does not seem to be in the German coach’s plans going forward. Even Frenkie de Jong’s injury, which is expected to keep him out for four to five months, does not seem to have changed Barça ’s plans with Casado. Casado hoping De Jong injury changes his situation Casado is reluctant to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) According to Diario SPORT , Flick has made it clear to Casado that competition for places is fierce, with Marc Bernal, Pedri, Gavi and even Eric Garcia currently ahead of him in the midfield pecking order. Despite the German manager being upfront about his plans, Casado is not keen to leave the Catalan club this summer. The midfielder believes Frenkie de Jong’s long-term injury could create fresh opportunities and is using pre-season to prove he deserves a bigger role. Casado featured for 62 minutes in Barcelona’s recent friendly against Birmingham City and is also expected to play against Preston North End before returning to Spain. Barcelona open to sale, but only for the right price The report adds that Barcelona rejected an offer worth around €10 million before 30 June because they value Casado significantly higher. Barça are seeking between €30 million and €40 million for the Spain international, whose homegrown status would generate valuable profit under Financial Fair Play rules. In today’s increasingly inflated market, it makes sense that Barça are putting a price on a player who has seen many first-team minutes in the last couple of seasons. What does the future hold for Casado? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) Competition for places may mean he does not have a future here, but it certainly does not make him an asset Barça must sell without the right price. Player only wants the right move Despite understanding his difficult sporting situation, Casado is resisting an exit for two reasons. The first is emotional. Having spent almost a decade at Barcelona and fulfilled his dream of reaching the first team, he is reluctant to give up without fighting for his place. The second is sporting. Casado has no interest in moving to Saudi Arabia despite interest from Al Hilal, while approaches from Turkish clubs have also failed to convince him. His agent is Jorge Mendes, and the onus is now on the super-agent to find a destination where the player is convinced by the sporting project and the club are willing to make an offer Barça deem acceptable. With several weeks still remaining in the transfer window, the midfielder’s future remains open. It remains to be seen whether he convinces Flick to keep him here or finds a new home ahead of next season.