Deportivo want Casadó on loan. Barcelona would prefer the money now

Marc Casadó could remain in LaLiga, play regularly and keep open the possibility of returning to Barcelona. Deportivo La Coruña are proposing a solution that suits the player: a season-long loan. The problem is that Barcelona have spent the summer trying to turn their academy graduate into a transfer fee.

DEPORTIVO MAKE A LATE MOVE

According to AS, the newly promoted LaLiga club have opened talks over a loan deal for Casadó. Deportivo want to strengthen their midfield before the window closes and hope the player will choose to remain in Spain.

The proposed arrangement reportedly appeals to the midfielder. Casadó could rebuild his position, receive regular minutes and remain under contract with Barcelona. He would not have to abandon his ambition of eventually succeeding at the club where he progressed from La Masia to the first team.

For Deportivo, this would be a much more serious signing than the word “loan” might suggest. Casadó knows LaLiga, has made 75 appearances for Barcelona’s first team and has played twice for Spain. He would not be arriving in A Coruña to learn how to tie his boots.

BARCELONA WOULD RATHER SELL

The player’s interests and the club’s interests are not pointing in exactly the same direction. Barcelona have preferred a permanent transfer because selling an academy graduate produces almost pure accounting profit. Casadó was developed by the club, meaning there is no substantial transfer fee left to amortise.

Cadena SER reports that Barça currently value the midfielder at around €20 million. Selling him could increase the club’s summer income linked to La Masia players from almost €60 million to approximately €80 million.

A loan to Deportivo would not have the same effect. It could free a place in the squad and remove part of his salary, but it would not immediately deliver the money Barcelona have been expecting. The club spent the summer looking for a buyer. They have now received a proposal that solves the sporting problem, but not necessarily the one written into the budget.

TURKEY CAN PAY, CASADÓ IS NOT RUSHING

AS also reports that Barcelona have a firm offer from Turkey. Casadó has previously been linked with Beşiktaş, Bayer Leverkusen and clubs in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi proposals were reportedly particularly attractive financially, but the player wanted to continue his career in Europe.

Barcelona are also said to have rejected a €10 million offer earlier in the summer. Their expectations were higher at the time. The window is now closing, clubs willing to meet the asking price have not appeared and the latest bidder is offering minutes rather than millions.

Casadó does not hold a strong position in Hansi Flick’s squad. Mundo Deportivo reported that the coach told the midfielder after last season that he was not part of his plans and repeated the message at the start of pre-season.

The club therefore want a separation, preferably one accompanied by a bank transfer. The player would rather leave the door slightly open.

A LOAN SAVES THE PLAYER, NOT THE BUDGET

From a sporting perspective, Deportivo make sense. Casadó would remain in LaLiga, receive an opportunity to play regularly and avoid having to start from zero in another country. A strong season in A Coruña could also increase his value ahead of next summer.

For Barcelona, it would be only a partial solution. The club would no longer have to carry a player Flick does not intend to use, but they would miss out on the immediate income that could further improve their academy-sales figures.

The operation therefore comes down to a choice between the player’s development and an immediate financial return. Deportivo can offer Casadó a place on the pitch. Turkey may be able to offer Barcelona money. After several months of searching, the club and the player are still waiting for an offer capable of satisfying both.

None has arrived yet. The clock, meanwhile, has had no difficulty turning up on time.