Barça starts the season with a convincing win, but not all the news is positive. The departure of a homegrown player highly valued in the locker room has set off alarms among the fans. This is a player trained at La Masia, who was looking to make the definitive leap to the first team.
The footballer in question has decided to put an end to his time at Barça. With a valid contract, he had waited for an opportunity that never quite arrived under any coach. The competition in his position and Flick's demands have accelerated a painful decision.
At Camp Nou, they trusted they could keep him for at least one more season to strengthen the rotation. However, the circumstances have been different and the club has been forced to listen to proposals. Everything suggests that the deal is already advanced and his departure will be official soon.
Flick's plan in the midfield
Hansi Flick arrived with the intention of rejuvenating the blaugrana midfield. His idea was to keep the core of starters, but bring in fresh air with young players with potential. For this, he has relied on names like Gavi, Pedri, and Fermín, as well as other promising talents on the rise.
The problem lies in the accumulation of talent in very similar positions. With De Jong recovered and experienced players ahead, the competition is fierce. The homegrown player has been the big loser, relegated to a secondary role in the first weeks.
The coaching staff have always praised his discipline and defensive reliability. However, the lack of minutes is a hard blow for a player of his age. Despite his commitment, the need to play and grow has weighed more in his final decision.
Interest from several European clubs
The market quickly reacted to his situation. Several clubs, both from La Liga and the Premier League, immediately inquired about his availability. Atlético de Madrid and Real Betis were among the first to make a formal move.
Both clubs considered the player a strategic reinforcement for the midfield. However, they encountered a very high initial barrier set by Barça. From the offices, it was communicated that they would only accept offers above €30 million.
Despite this financial filter, the list of interested parties kept growing. There were also serious inquiries from England, especially from mid-table teams with European ambitions. The homegrown player's style fit with the intensity of the Premier League, making him even more attractive.
An inevitable transfer
As the days passed, negotiations accelerated and the player's entourage gave their approval. Barça, aware that it couldn't promise him a leading role, agreed to open the door. Laporta and Deco prefer a sale that guarantees immediate liquidity over a loan scenario with no clear future.
The deal will allow the club to obtain a significant amount, although less than what they wanted at first. Even so, they value positively avoiding the player's devaluation and securing an orderly exit. Meanwhile, the player leaves grateful to the institution and without public resentment.
The coming days will be key to making the announcement official. Everything indicates that, after the first league match, the final resolution will be released. The buying club trusts the agreement will be finalized this week, before the market enters its final stretch.
The chosen destination: a move to the Premier League
Finally, among all the proposals, one club has taken the lead. From England, they have made a strong push, both in sporting and financial terms, to convince the player. Their sporting project, based on progressive growth and immediate protagonism, has been decisive.
The homegrown player wanted to go abroad to test himself in a competitive context different from Spain. His desire was to have continuity, play in a demanding environment, and measure himself against world-class footballers. He has found that opportunity at a club with aspirations to enter European competitions.
Pending official confirmation, everything points to the same outcome. Marc Casadó will become a new player for West Ham United, the club that has positioned itself best. In London, they await him with open arms, ready to take a leap in his professional career.