Bayer Leverkusen enter the race for Casadó as Beşiktaş keep pushing

Marc Casadó is moving increasingly close to leaving Barcelona. Bayer Leverkusen have joined the race for the midfielder and reportedly stepped up their interest over the past few hours. The German club are now considered one of his two most serious options alongside Beşiktaş.

According to Ferran Martínez of “Mundo Deportivo”, Casadó is assessing the possibilities available to him before the transfer window closes. There is currently no confirmation of a formal Leverkusen bid or an agreement between the clubs. Bayer and Beşiktaş are, however, showing the strongest interest.

The Bundesliga option could be particularly attractive to the player. Leverkusen are coached by Carles Martínez, who spent four years working in Barcelona’s academy before later managing Toulouse. Bayer’s official profile of the coach confirms his La Masia background. He understands the environment in which Casadó developed and wants his team to play intense football while providing opportunities to young players.

A move to Leverkusen would allow the 22-year-old to remain in one of Europe’s leading leagues and join a project closer to his footballing profile than the offers he received from Saudi Arabia. Casadó previously rejected approaches from Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli. On the advice of his family, he wants to continue his career in Europe, even if that decision reduces the amount Barcelona can collect.

The Saudi proposals could reportedly have earned Barça approximately €40 million. That is also believed to be Barcelona’s valuation of their academy graduate. The difficulty is that the club’s asking price and the intentions of European buyers may not meet. Everyone involved knows that Hansi Flick does not consider Casadó part of his plans and that the window is about to close.

Flick reportedly informed the midfielder after last season that his role would be reduced and repeated the message during pre-season. Casadó watched the match against Athletic Club from the stands and did not participate in Sunday’s first-team training session. Instead of preparing to face Rayo Vallecano, he is waiting for his future to be decided.

Barcelona therefore have a player under contract until 30 June 2028 but without a place in the coach’s plans. The club extended Casadó’s deal in 2024, presenting him as one of the leaders of the next generation. Two years later, he remains a valuable asset — mainly because he can now be sold.

Beşiktaş are not backing away. The Turkish club have pursued Casadó for some time and continue trying to convince him with their project. The midfielder may nevertheless prefer Bundesliga football under a coach familiar with La Masia.

Everton have also asked about the Spaniard’s situation, but that interest has not developed into advanced negotiations. The same applies to RB Leipzig. Leipzig have already signed Neil El Aynaoui from Roma for the same area of the pitch, making that option significantly less likely.

“Mundo Deportivo” currently identifies Bayer Leverkusen and Beşiktaş as the two strongest possibilities. The player is expected to decide before the window closes on Tuesday.

Casadó has made 75 first-team appearances for Barcelona and played twice for Spain. This is not an anonymous reserve player leaving because he failed to reach the required level. It is an academy graduate who earned his opportunity, proved that he could contribute and was subsequently told that there was no longer a place for him.

Barcelona continue to speak proudly about the importance of La Masia. They are now waiting to discover whether Germany or Turkey will pay for one of its graduates.