The Transfer Market Continues to Generate Unexpected Moves, and Chelsea Has Set Its Sights on a New Talent from FC Barcelona. Although the English team has pursued De Jong for months the reality is that the Dutchman has managed to turn his situation around. This has led the Londoners to seek an alternative within Hansi Flick's squad.
The chosen one is none other than one of Barça's academy gems. The midfielder, who has lost prominence this season due to strong competition in the midfield, has caught Enzo Maresca's interest. He believes he can be a key piece in his long-term project.
Frenkie de Jong Turns the Tables
Chelsea Had Set Its Attention on Frenkie de Jong as One of Its Main Targets to Strengthen Its Midfield. However, the Dutchman has experienced a remarkable evolution at Barça, going from being questioned to becoming an untouchable piece for Flick.
Throughout the season, De Jong has managed to establish himself in the starting eleven and has shown a clear intention to renew his contract. Something that seemed unlikely a few months ago. His good performance has changed the perception within the club, and both Flick and Laporta see him as one of the leaders of the project.
This change of scenario has made Chelsea redirect its strategy and focus on another Barça midfielder who, although less experienced, has great growth potential.
Chelsea's New Target
The Name That Has Gained Strength in Stamford Bridge's Offices Is Marc Casadó. The 20-year-old midfielder who has been an international with Spain in lower categories and has been trained at La Masia.
Casadó started the season with certain opportunities, but the presence of players like De Jong in the midfield has reduced his minutes in recent months. The situation has not gone unnoticed at Chelsea, which seeks to take advantage of the young player's lack of prominence to convince him to change scenery.
The English Club Already Tried to Sign Casadó in the Last Winter Market, but It Failed to Complete the Operation. Now, with a new transfer window around the corner, the 'Blues' are willing to present a more aggressive offer to secure his services.
What Is Barça's Stance?
Marc Casadó Has a Contract with FC Barcelona Until 2027 and Has a Release Clause of 100 Million Euros. However, the Catalan club is aware that it will not be able to retain him if the player feels limited by the lack of minutes.
Deco and Laporta value Casadó's quality and see him as a midfielder for the future, but at the same time, they are realistic about the strong competition that exists. If Chelsea offers an interesting amount, Barça could consider his sale as part of its strategy to clean up the club's finances.
The young midfielder finds himself in a complex position:
- Stay at Barça and continue fighting for a spot in Flick's team, despite the great competition in the midfield.
- Accept Chelsea's offer, where he would have greater opportunities to play in a team that bets on young talents.
Casadó has always expressed his desire to succeed at Camp Nou. But he is also aware that his progression depends on the minutes he gets. If he doesn't receive guarantees of more prominence next season, he could be tempted by the Premier League.
Barça and Chelsea, Negotiations Underway
Chelsea Has Made It Clear That Its Interest in Casadó Is Serious, and in the Coming Weeks, It Could Present a Formal Offer to Try to Convince Both the Player and Barça. Enzo Maresca sees him as a key reinforcement for his team, while in Barcelona, they have not yet made a definitive decision about his future.
For now, the ball is in Casadó's court. Will He Continue Betting on Barça or Accept Chelsea's Tempting Proposal?
In the coming months, one of the most interesting dilemmas of the blaugrana market will be solved.