Casado to leave Barcelona this summer; club demands €20M

According to Diario Sport, Casado has decided to leave Barcelona this summer and has instructed his agent to listen to offers.

Despite his lifelong attachment to Barcelona, the 22-year-old Catalan midfielder has decided to leave the club in search of regular playing time. After conversations with manager Hans Flick following the season, Casado concluded that his opportunities would be limited next season. He made 1,397 minutes of appearances this season, competing with Bernal, De Jong, Pedri, and Gavi for his position.

The Sant Pere de Vilamajor native has instructed his agent, Jorge Mendes, to field offers. Barcelona is seeking approximately €20 million and hopes to complete a sale before June 30 to record the full transfer fee as profit given Casado's homegrown status. However, the club has left room for negotiation.

Casado is carefully considering his options without rushing a decision. He has already rejected an offer from Turkish football, preferring to remain in Europe. Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal has submitted an offer, which Mendes is exploring following Cancelo's transfer to Barcelona. Though young, Casado acknowledges he could return to top-tier European football if he chooses Saudi Arabia now.

European interest includes Monaco—though that option has cooled considerably—and English clubs, with Manchester United under Michael Carrick recently expressing interest, though without concrete progress.

Several La Liga clubs have contacted Mendes. Atlético Madrid, where sporting director Mateu Alemany rates him highly and believes he suits Diego Simeone's system, presents an attractive option. Real Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini and competing in the Champions League next season, is also interested. Real Sociedad, another European competitor, has made inquiries. Barcelona's €20 million valuation may prove challenging for some La Liga sides.