Casadó admits disappointment over Barcelona exit: “We all have things to improve”

Barcelona guided Marc Casadó through the different levels of their academy from 2015 onwards. His departure required considerably less time: separate training sessions, the loss of his squad number and a loan move to Deportivo.

The midfielder did not create a public confrontation. One sentence was enough.

“I have spoken to the club and we all have things to improve,” Casadó said before travelling to Galicia.

It was not a direct attack. It sounded more like a message without a named recipient, although nobody at Barcelona should have much difficulty working out where it was addressed.

ONE SENTENCE WAS ENOUGH

Barcelona have officially confirmed that the 22-year-old will spend the season on loan at Deportivo, with the agreement running until 30 June 2027. The club’s statement reviewed his journey through the academy, his 75 first-team appearances, one goal, seven assists and the trophies he won.

Barcelona wished him well and closed the announcement. Casadó had a little more to say.

“Leaving Barcelona is always difficult,” the midfielder admitted. He also said Deportivo had presented him with an exciting project and that he was travelling to his new club with considerable enthusiasm.

According to “AS”, Casadó was unhappy with the way Barcelona managed his departure. He had reportedly trained away from the main group during his final days at the club and also lost his first-team squad number. The message from Barcelona was not particularly difficult to read. Only a box containing his belongings by the exit appeared to be missing.

Casadó still avoided publicly settling scores. His response was calm and carefully worded — restrained enough to keep the door open, but clear enough to show that the final days had left some resentment. “AS” reported his comments and the circumstances surrounding the move.

A PLANNED SALE BECAME A LOAN

Barcelona had hoped to sell Casadó permanently during the summer. The club reportedly valued the academy graduate at between €30 million and €40 million. Such a deal would have provided immediate income and produced a considerable profit on a homegrown player.

No club agreed to pay that amount. Deportivo instead secured a season-long loan, will cover part of the midfielder’s salary and reportedly hold an option to buy him for €30 million.

The important word is “option”. According to “AS”, Deportivo will be able to complete the transfer but will not be required to do so. Barcelona could therefore receive the player back next summer without any guaranteed sale.

That would create another problem. Casadó’s current contract expires in 2028. If Deportivo reject the option, he would return with only one year remaining on his deal, potentially leaving Barcelona in a considerably weaker negotiating position.

The original plan was a sale worth between €30 million and €40 million. The final arrangement brought a loan, partial salary relief and the hope that Deportivo will decide to spend €30 million in a year’s time. Barcelona have once again completed a deal whose ideal conclusion depends largely on another club making the convenient decision.

A RETURN IS POSSIBLE, NOT PLANNED

Casadó did not rule out playing for Barcelona again. He also made no attempt to present that outcome as part of an established plan.

“You never know what will happen, but it is obviously difficult to leave home,” he said.

That feeling is understandable. Casadó joined Barcelona’s academy in the 2015/16 season. He progressed through the youth teams and Barça Atlètic, made his senior debut and eventually became a full member of Hansi Flick’s first-team squad.

He played 75 matches for the club and, until recently, was considered one of the young midfielders capable of forming part of Barcelona’s future.

Then Rodri arrived, competition increased and Casadó’s transfer value became more useful to the club than his place in the squad. When a permanent buyer could not be found, the loan solution appeared.

Barcelona’s official position is clear: Casadó has joined Deportivo on loan for one season. The club’s announcement does not mention a purchase option. The reported €30 million figure comes from “AS”.

Casadó left without slamming the door. He even kept it slightly open. Before walking through it, however, he noted that everybody had something to improve.

He will work on his situation at Deportivo. Barcelona might begin with their goodbyes.