According to _AS_, despite De Jong's right knee medial collateral ligament tear, which is expected to sideline him for 5 to 6 months, Barcelona's sports management has not altered its established midfield development strategy. The club still plans to sell Casado if a suitable offer is received, while giving Tommy Maks more opportunities and retaining Bryan Fariñas.
Barcelona's official medical report has confirmed the injury. As _AS_ previously disclosed, De Jong was diagnosed with a medial collateral ligament tear in his right knee. Although immediate surgery is not currently required, the medical team believes he "will likely still need surgery sooner or later," with an expected recovery period of 5 to 6 months. This sudden development was initially thought by outsiders to potentially force Barcelona to reassess its midfield setup.
However, the club's internal stance remains stable. Barcelona's sports management believes that the midfield is an area with relatively sufficient personnel under Flick, and there are also several young players in the academy who can step in if needed. Against this backdrop, Barcelona remains open to Casado's transfer. As long as an offer that meets the club's financial expectations is received, management is willing to let him go. Reportedly, Barcelona hopes to receive approximately 30 million euros from the midfielder's transfer, and he has already received multiple offers from the Premier League and the Saudi League.
Casado himself is aware of his situation. In an interview with Catalunya Ràdio, he stated: "We still have some things to discuss with the coach and sports management, and also with my agent. We will complete these discussions in the coming weeks and then make a decision." He also admitted that his playing time next season might be limited, so he must have further discussions with Flick and Deco.
Nevertheless, Casado has not closed the door on staying. He added: "No one can doubt that I want to stay here. If someone tells me I can't stay, then we must find the best solution for all parties. As a Barcelona person, I want the team and the club to achieve the best results. If they think I should stay, I will stay; if they think my departure is more beneficial for the team's continued growth, then I will leave."
Barcelona, on the other hand, believes that even if Casado ultimately leaves, the team's current squad and youth academy system can still provide sufficient alternatives to cope with the double impact of De Jong's absence and the potential departure of the midfielder from Sant Pere de Vilamajor. One important plan is to continue giving Maks more first-team opportunities. Due to his ability to play as a defensive midfielder, Maks is highly regarded within the club and is considered to have the potential to take on Casado's role. Sports management believes he already has the ability to enter the first-team rotation system next season.
Additionally, Barcelona has adjusted another youth academy arrangement, temporarily postponing Bryan Fariñas's transfer to Girona. Flick wants to thoroughly evaluate him during the preseason to determine if he is ready to take on a more important role at Barça Atlètic and fight for a spot in the first-team squad.
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