Marc Casadó appeared on every list of players available for transfer at Barcelona. His name was strongly rumored to leave this summer, either on loan or sold with a buy-back option.
The club values him for his professionalism, but they didn't see a place for him in the squad. The options in midfield were multiplying and his profile as a holding midfielder seemed doomed to ostracism.
Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Pedri, and the promising Marc Bernal, who's returning after a long injury, dominated the area.
Everything pointed to a farewell. Until Flick picked up the phone and asked Deco for one more chance for Casadó.
The German coach, who had given the green light to include him on the way out, has radically changed his mind. Not because he needs him in his natural position.
Flick has another plan
Barça's coach has found a new role for Marc Casadó. It won't be as a holding midfielder, where he admits there's "overbooking," but as a full-back.
The idea isn't improvised or new. Flick already considered this option during his first contact with the squad before formally joining.
In his notebook, Casadó is an adaptable, physical profile, with tactical awareness and commitment. Exactly what he's looking for in a reliable full-back.
Flick sees potential in Casadó to become a versatile footballer. In the style of Lahm or Kimmich, players who also started as central midfielders and ended up excelling as full-backs.
In a team where the full-backs are under review—with Balde recovering and Héctor Fort still inexperienced—the coaching staff wants to try alternatives. Casadó is part of the plan.
Unexpected reprieve... and a golden opportunity
This change of direction has been a surprise even for the player, who was already starting to look for destinations outside Camp Nou.
The new plan opens an unexpected, though demanding, door for him: he'll have to learn another position from scratch, adapt his routines, and stand out in a role with different responsibilities. But the opportunity is real.
He won't be a starter right away, far from it. Flick wants to see him in action during preseason. If he responds well, he could stay as a defensive utility player, especially if the club can't complete the signing of an experienced full-back due to the financial situation.
Marc Casadó has gone from being discarded to a valuable asset, from available for transfer to a possible solution. Flick trusts him. Now, everything depends on how he responds on the field.