Barça keeps resolving deals in a summer full of surprising moves within the squad. After several signings, contract renewals, and strategic sales, now it's time for an unexpected departure. One of the young prospects developed at La Masia is very close to leaving for good.
The decision hasn't been easy because he's a player with great future potential. However, the coaching staff understands that there's too much competition in his position and few chances for playing time. That's why the sporting management believes that accepting an offer for him is the most reasonable option.
At the Catalan club, they value him as a footballer with character, with leadership proven in the youth categories. He's always been captain during his formative years, respected by teammates and coaches for his discipline and commitment. Even so, making the jump to the first team is never easy, and in his case, it seemed especially complicated.
Flick has already informed him of his situation
Hans-Dieter Flick has been very clear in the conversations he's had with the player during preseason. The German coach considers him an interesting profile, but he understands that he can't guarantee him opportunities in the short term. The presence of undisputed starters and key reinforcements in midfield leaves him in a delicate situation.
The coach has preferred to be honest and explain to him that he'll barely get any minutes except in low-stakes matches or emergencies. This was a reality the player didn't expect, since he trusted he'd establish himself in the first team after years of waiting. His role was reduced to the bare minimum.
In the locker room, the feeling is unanimous: he has enough qualities to stand out, but there's no place for him at Barça. The club doesn't want to slow his progress or see him stagnate in the reserves. That's why the option of listening to offers has gained traction in recent weeks.
Betis enters the scene
Real Betis Balompié has been the club that has shown the most interest in finalizing the signing. Manuel Pellegrini has insisted on having him, convinced that he can bring balance and character to the midfield. The Andalusian club wants to seize the opportunity and believes he'll fit perfectly into its sporting project.
The offer presented has been €30 million, an amount that even surprised Barça itself. In the offices, they didn't expect such a strong offer for a player with so few minutes at the elite level. However, the figure has convinced Laporta and Deco, who see it as a positive deal.
Betis also offers add-ons related to sporting objectives and matches played during the season. These additional conditions have strengthened the confidence of the Catalan board that this is an interesting deal. The agreement is practically closed and only needs to be made official in the coming days.
An unexpected departure
For the Barça fans, this departure is painful because he was always seen as a future captain. However, sporting circumstances have forced an inevitable decision, especially with fierce competition in his position. The player himself has understood that it's time to take a step forward away from Camp Nou.
At Betis, he'll find an ideal environment to grow, with a coach who trusts him and a demanding league. The opportunity to play regularly and establish himself in the top division could define his development. The Andalusian club also secures a footballer who's hungry, young, and capable of leading the future of its midfield.
Meanwhile, Barça closes a financially beneficial deal, though with a certain bittersweet feeling about the departure. La Masia remains a talent factory, but not everyone finds a place in the first team. This is a clear case in which the club has chosen to prioritize financial viability and the player's future.
Finally, the mystery is solved: the footballer who'll head to Real Betis is Marc Casadó, captain of the Catalan reserves. His sale for €30 million marks the end of one chapter and the start of a new adventure. Flick is left without a golden academy product, and Betis smiles with a top-level signing.