Marc Casadó Excluded from Barcelona Squad as Saudi Arabian Move Accelerates

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó will not travel with the first team to Italy for a friendly tournament, confirming his imminent departure from the club. The 22-year-old academy graduate has been excluded from manager Hansi Flick's squad for matches against Udinese and Nottingham Forest, with a move to Saudi Arabia expected to be finalized before the end of the transfer window.

The Exclusion Signals Final Departure

Casadó attended Barcelona's training facility but departed before the traveling party left for Italy, a clear indication that his time at the club has effectively ended. The decision to leave him out of the squad comes as the club's sporting director Deco has accelerated efforts to find new homes for players deemed outside manager Flick's plans. This exclusion represents the most tangible step yet in what has been an extended negotiation over the midfielder's future.

Saudi Clubs in Competition

Two Saudi Arabian clubs—Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli—have expressed serious interest in acquiring Casadó, with a potential bidding war emerging between the two sides. Barcelona is seeking a transfer fee of 40 million euros for the midfielder, a valuation the club believes can be achieved given the competitive interest. Casadó, who initially expressed reluctance about moving to Saudi Arabia at such an early stage of his career, has recently reconsidered his position after recognizing the financial benefits and the opportunity to gain regular playing time.

Playing Time Concerns Prompt Exit

The midfielder's departure reflects a realistic assessment of his prospects at Barcelona. Flick has made clear that Casadó would face limited opportunities in the coming season, particularly if the club completes the acquisition of midfielder Rodri. At 22 years old, Casadó prioritized remaining at Barcelona, where he developed through the academy system, but ultimately concluded that consistent competitive football at another European club or elsewhere was essential for his development. He is expected to sign a contract lasting two to three seasons with his Saudi Arabian destination.