Saudi giants edge closer to sign €25m Barcelona star

The summer transfer window continues to generate intense speculative activity across Spanish football as FC Barcelona look to streamline their first-team squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Directed by sporting director Deco and the club’s administrative board, the Catalan outfit is prioritizing high-value player sales to generate vital financial flexibility and balance the books.

While high-profile arrival rumors dominate headlines in Catalonia, internal discussions have rapidly accelerated surrounding the permanent departure of an esteemed La Masia graduate.

The highly-rated 22-year-old midfielder at the absolute center of these fast-moving negotiations is Marc Casadó, as reported by Fichajes.

Having developed through the club’s famed youth ranks and served as captain for Barça Atlètic before breaking into the senior squad, Casadó has demonstrated exceptional tactical intelligence, high work rate, and positional discipline.

However, with stiff competition from established international stars like Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi, as well as emerging talents like Marc Bernal, his direct route toward regular first-team football has narrowed significantly.

Sensing a market opportunity, Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal—working through intermediary agent Jorge Mendes—have stepped up discussions to secure his signature for a package valued around €25 million.

From an administrative and financial viewpoint, sanctioning Casadó’s sale represents a purely strategic decision for Barcelona.

While the coaching staff deeply respects Casadó’s professionalism and versatility, the abundance of midfield options means his departure will not compromise squad depth.

For the young Spaniard, a move to the Saudi Pro League offers the guarantee of starter minutes, substantial financial rewards, and an immediate central role within an ambitious project.

Negotiating teams are working to wrap up final structural details, making Casadó’s exit one of Barcelona’s most lucrative departures of the summer window.