Barcelona is undergoing an internal restructuring that directly affects its academy players. The arrival of reinforcements like Marcus Rashford has completely changed the landscape. One of the main casualties is Marc Casado, who has already received a direct message from Hansi Flick: He will have very few opportunities this season.
In the match against Levante, Casado started, although Flick, who favors other profiles, substituted him at halftime and has preferred to be clear with the player. "You're not going to get minutes in my rotation," the German coach reportedly told him. The consequence is clear: The midfielder is losing importance at Barça and also in Luis de la Fuente's consideration.
The club has made its decision; they don't want to hinder his progress and are open to an immediate departure. A loan or even a transfer are on the table. "The best thing is for him to look for minutes away from Camp Nou," is the message coming from the locker room.
Arteta's desire and the shadow of Frenkie de Jong
Marc Casado's case is worsening due to an added factor: Overcrowding in midfield. The sporting management knows there are too many midfielders and several footballers will be forced to leave. Among them, one of the most important names is back on the table: Frenkie de Jong.
According to sources close to the locker room, young Casado already knows that Arsenal want to sign the Dutch international. Mikel Arteta has personally requested his signing and considers De Jong a key piece for his project. That situation, far from benefiting the academy player, makes it even harder for him to find a place.
The English club would be willing to make a strong offer in the coming months. Barça, for now, isn't required to sell after managing to balance its accounts with Rashford's registration. However, they aren't ruling out listening to proposals if the price is high, and Marc Casado is seeing his opportunities disappear.
An open market for Marc Casado
The main victim of this silent restructuring is Marc Casado. With Hans Dieter Flick making it clear he won't count on him and with the shadow of Frenkie de Jong looming, his departure from Barça seems inevitable. The sporting management won't put obstacles in the way of his exit, and several clubs from the First and Second Divisions have already inquired about him.
His age and potential make him a low-cost bet for the future. "Marc has a market and won't lack offers," sources close to the club say. Barça celebrates Rashford's arrival and at the same time is preparing for major moves in midfield.