Marc Casadó is one of the names most frequently mentioned on Atlético de Madrid's agenda. Diego Pablo Simeone has made him a priority to strengthen the midfield. He has asked the board to do everything possible to finalize his signing.
The Argentine coach believes he needs a profile like his: physical, hard-working, and with good tactical awareness. He thinks he would fit perfectly into his system, which demands intensity, pressing, and balance in the midfield. That's why he has insisted on speeding up talks with Barça.
Meanwhile, Casadó doesn't have a guaranteed starting spot in the first team. The competition in midfield is very high. Players like De Jong, Gavi, Fermín, and Dani Olmo block many opportunities for him.
Despite this, his intention is still to stay. He feels valued by Flick, he's part of the stable group, and he has a valid contract.
A complex operation for both sporting departments
Barça isn't considering letting Casadó go at any price or under any condition. The coaching staff see him as a useful piece, especially because of his tactical profile and competitive maturity. Even if he's not a starter, his role in the squad is well defined.
However, the club's financial situation may force them to listen to offers if they're convincing enough. In the current financial context, every potential sale is scrutinized by Laporta and Deco. Casadó has a market and that creates pressure around him.
Atlético has tried to lower the cost of the operation with an alternative formula. Instead of paying the full transfer fee, they propose including a player in the deal. The goal is to reduce the cost of the operation without giving up the talent Simeone is looking for.
For now, in Barcelona they're not convinced. They prefer a straightforward sale, with defined financial figures and without uncertain exchanges.
Casadó has the support of Flick and the locker room
The German coach values Casadó's commitment and versatility, as he has played in several interior positions. His consistency in training and his team mentality have made him a highly respected footballer. In addition, his low-cost, high-performance profile is ideal to complete the rotation.
The locker room supports him as well. He came up alongside Gavi, with whom he has kept a close friendship since their youth days. His integration into the group is total and he's one of the most highly regarded academy players internally.
For these reasons, the decision to sell him isn't easy. He's a player who represents the values of the academy. But if an offer arrives that allows the club to improve its finances and strengthen other positions, the club doesn't rule anything out.
The key will be which footballer is offered by Atlético and whether he fits the Barça model.
A name on the table that doesn't convince at Camp Nou
Atlético has included a midfielder as part of the operation, seeking to balance the market value. He's a player with international experience, but who hasn't performed at the desired level in Spain. Simeone thinks he doesn't fit into his squad and is looking for a way out for him as soon as possible.
The problem is that at Barça they don't see him as a useful addition to their current structure either. Flick has been clear in his analysis: he wants footballers with tactical awareness, refined technique, and competitive consistency. The profile offered doesn't fit those requirements.
The footballer in question is Conor Gallagher, who arrived at Atlético from the Premier League just one season ago. His adaptation hasn't been as desired and he has lost prominence as the months have gone by. In Barcelona, his arrival doesn't generate excitement either from a sporting or financial perspective.
So, for now, Marc Casadó remains a Barça player. But if a firm financial proposal arrives... the situation could change.