He was one of Xavi Hernández's priority transfers at Barça. In fact, the former blaugrana manager's relationship with Laporta and Deco deteriorated because of him. They didn't manage to sign him and, instead, they gave him Vitor Roque.
He was the only transfer that Xavi asked for, but he wasn't brought in. Thanks to that, Casadó is now a starter for Barça and the Spanish national team.
The Replacement of Kroos or Rodri
This is Martín Zubimendi, the Real Sociedad midfielder half of Europe longs for. Barça wanted him, but couldn't sign him. Real Madrid wanted to make him Kroos's replacement and Guardiola sees him as a replica of Rodri, the new Ballon d'Or winner.
Real Madrid has tried very hard to sign him. In fact, Ancelotti doesn't see anyone more similar to Toni Kroos. That point, replacing Toni Kroos, is what Real Madrid has yet to do this season.
However, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City has come along and is taking him to the Etihad Stadium. Neither Barça nor Real Madrid: Manchester City.
City is suffering more than expected from the loss of Rodri, who was the soul of the team. They are eagerly looking for a replacement who can shine like the Madrid native.
Guardiola Trusts Him to Turn Things Around with City
Martín Zubimendi has everything to become Rodri's alternative at City. The poor results that Real Sociedad is reaping throughout the season help to close the deal.
The amount of the operation is relatively modest for a player of his category. Real Sociedad can't ask for anything beyond his clause, which remains fixed at 60 million euros.
It was a transfer Florentino Pérez would've liked because, aside from his status as a reinforcement, he would've allowed Real Madrid to become more Spanish with national talent. Plus, a more than affordable price.
But City has already got ahead of everyone. Guardiola is aware of the favor he is doing to Barça by taking away from Real Madrid a transfer that had already been agreed.Solving the problem left by Kroos's departure would've meant giving Real Madrid a huge advantage.
Guardiola Wins the Battle
City is experiencing its lowest point of the nine years Pep Guardiola has been in charge of the City. To great evils, greater remedies are needed. The Premier League is more than lost, but Guardiola is not resigned to giving up on the Champions League as well.
He is counting on Zubimendi to help him get back on track. The pivot from San Sebastian is expected to join City within a month of the winter transfer window.
Zubimendi has played more than 1,600 minutes in 19 games this season, with 3 goals.
Barça gave up on him, Real Madrid saw him as a replacement for Toni Kroos. But Pep Guardiola got the upper hand: he already has a replacement for injured Rodri.