Rodri Arrives, Casadó Could Leave. Barcelona Prepare to Sell Their Academy Graduate
Marc Casadó spent years doing exactly what Barcelona ask of an academy player. He progressed through the youth system, captained the Under-19 side, waited patiently for his opportunity and eventually earned a place in the first team. Rodri is now arriving to strengthen the midfield, and the club appears to be preparing an exit route for Casadó.
According to Cadena SER, the 22-year-old is currently the leading candidate to leave Barcelona. He has significant proposals from Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli on the table, with other clubs also showing interest. Casadó intends to consider all the available offers before making a final decision on his future.
Nothing has been agreed yet. That distinction matters because Casadó has previously been consistent about his desire to remain at Barcelona and fight for his place. Only a few months ago, sources close to the player indicated that he was not considering leaving the club.
Rodri’s arrival changes the situation. The Spain international is expected to sign a contract until 2030 and immediately become one of Hansi Flick’s key midfielders. It leaves Casadó facing even greater competition after his role had already declined compared with his breakthrough campaign under the German coach.
The academy graduate made 34 official appearances during the 2025/26 season but played only 1,396 minutes. He remained useful without being a central figure. Barcelona’s own profile describes him as a hard-working and intense midfielder who provides balance to the team. The club may now decide that financial balance is even more useful.
Casadó is under contract until 30 June 2028, meaning Barcelona are under no obligation to accept a low offer. Cadena SER did not reveal the value of the current Saudi proposals. Earlier reports suggested that interest from the Saudi Pro League could eventually produce an offer worth around €40 million.
Selling an academy player would generate a major accounting profit, create room in the squad and help finance Barcelona’s expensive rebuild. It makes perfect sense from the board’s perspective. It fits rather less comfortably with the story of an academy graduate whose patience and hard work were supposed to earn him a future at the club.
Rodri may therefore cost Barcelona more than €60 million plus bonuses. His arrival could also cost a place to a player who has represented the club since he was 13. La Masia remains the heart of Barcelona – particularly when that heart can be sold for the right price.
Sources: Cadena SER, FC Barcelona – Casadó statistics, FC Barcelona – contract until 2028, Mundo Deportivo
