Barcelona is going through a period of transition. With Xavi Hernández as coach, the situation was different: the manager trusted the young players and gave them opportunities, although not all of them had the same luck. Now, with a new project and a different plan, that outlook has changed.
From promise to forgotten
Marc Casadó reached the first team with great excitement and a rapid rise. He was a leader in the reserve team, a reference point, and that earned him a place in Hans-Dieter Flick's plans. Suddenly, he was at the center of attention, with standout performances that excited the fans.
An injury halted his progress just when he needed continuity the most, and the competition in midfield is tough. Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Eric García, and Olmo's recovery have made his place more complicated. Casadó has gone from being a sure bet to being in limbo, with few minutes and many doubts.
A future in doubt
The player values his time at Barça greatly; it's a club with history and meaning for him. But soccer is also about minutes on the field, and that's starting to weigh on him. He wants stability and, above all, opportunities to grow. He also dreams of being on the final list for the 2026 World Cup with Spain.
That desire makes him look beyond Camp Nou. Liverpool and Chelsea, two Premier League giants, are keeping an eye on him. Bayer Leverkusen, in Germany, has also shown interest. The offers are already around €40 million, a figure Laporta can't ignore.
Laporta and the blaugrana strategy
Joan Laporta is more than satisfied with this situation. Seeing a homegrown player generate so much interest is a triumph for the club. In addition, the possible sale would represent a good financial gain to keep strengthening Flick's project.
However, it's not just about money. Barça wants to make sure that Casadó's departure is beneficial for all parties. They want to study the team's plan and see what role the midfielder could have in the future.
For now, the door is open, but not closed. Everything will depend on how the season progresses and the space Flick can offer him.
The start of a new era?
Meanwhile, Marc Casadó's name continues to be heard loudly across Europe. The interest from Liverpool and Chelsea confirms that the blaugrana talent is in demand outside Spain. If he does leave, it will be a sale Laporta will celebrate, and for the player, an opportunity to show his worth in a new setting.
Meanwhile, Barça keeps adjusting the pieces to return to the elite. Casadó's case is just one more example of how the club manages its youth academy and looks to the future.