Real Betis join race for Barcelona midfielder

One of Barcelona’s midfielders is attracting interest from multiple clubs and now Real Betis have joined the race late in the window.

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Barcelona’s rebuild under Hansi Flick has left several familiar faces searching for a way out before deadline day arrives.

Marc Casado made 34 appearances and clocked over 1,300 minutes across all competitions last season, a workload that reflected his standing as one of Flick’s most trusted midfield options at the time.

That trust has since evaporated following the arrival of Rodri, a World Cup winner and Spain’s national team captain, whose signing has left little room for a homegrown deep-lying midfielder still trying to establish himself.

Casado is not part of Flick’s plans for the new campaign and may struggle to find game time at all should he remain at Camp Nou.

Besiktas and Bayer Leverkusen had already emerged as potential suitors heading into deadline day, with the 22-year-old keen to continue playing at the highest level available to him.

Real Betis have now also joined the race to sign Marc Casado, according to El Chiringuito on X, with the La Liga side reportedly making contact with Barcelona over a late swoop.

Betis are believed to be seeking a loan move for the midfielder, whose read of the game and calm distribution from deep have long made him a popular figure among Barcelona’s coaching staff, even if game time has eluded him this season.

Reports in Spain suggest Betis are looking to fill the gap left by Johnny Cardoso’s summer move to Atletico Madrid, with Manuel Pellegrini keen to add stability and range to his midfield pivot.

Barcelona, though, are understood to prefer a permanent departure that would let them retain some control over Casado’s long-term future, complicating any loan-based approach from Betis.

Casado’s preference is believed to lean towards Leverkusen, with the player said to view the German club’s proposal favourably as a route to regular Bundesliga football.

Multiple Saudi Arabian clubs have also registered interest during the summer, though Casado has consistently made clear his priority is to remain in Europe.

Barcelona rate the academy graduate highly, describing him internally as balanced, diligent and a natural leader in the dressing room, qualities that explain why letting him go has not been a straightforward decision.

The financial picture only adds to the complexity, with Casado under contract until 2028 and Barcelona valuing him well above Transfermarkt’s estimated €18million mark.

With barely 24 hours remaining before the window shuts, time is quickly running out for all parties to reach an agreement that satisfies both Casado’s ambitions and Barcelona’s asking price.

Whichever destination he ultimately chooses, Casado’s departure would mark the end of his path through Barcelona’s first team having progressed through the club’s academy system.

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