Barcelona make transfer decision over 21-year-old star amid interest from Liverpool and Chelsea: Reports
Barcelona have reached a decision to resist any offers for midfielder Marc Casado amid increasing interest from Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea. The Spanish giants are keen to keep the youngster, who has been in fine form for them this season.
Spanish international Casado has been one of the revelations of the season after emerging as a key player under manager Hansi Flick, with his form earning him a national team invitation. The 21-year-old made his international debut for Spain in their 2-1 Nations League win over Denmark last week, becoming the European champions' latest debutant.
Sides in England's top-flight are interested in the La Masia graduate, whose quality on the ball in midfield has been attractive to them. CaughtOffside have reported that both Chelsea and Liverpool want the young midfielder, who has featured 11 times in LaLiga this season.
A report from Fichajes.net has said that Barcelona are not prepared to sanction a sale for Casado, who has become one of the side's most important players this season. The defensive midfielder appears to have filled the Sergio Busquets-sized gap in his club, playing over 1,100 minutes this season so far.
Liverpool are in the market for a defensive midfielder, having failed to land Spanish international Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer. Ryan Gravenberch has played in defensive midfield so far this season, but the club also wants to add another quality player in the position.
Chelsea are unhappy with the quality of Enzo Fernandez's performances, and are looking to sign another defensive midfielder to replace him in their squad. Casado's technical level and tactical intelligence have brought him to their notice, as they see him as capable of filling multiple midfield roles.
Casado is under contract with Barcelona until 2028, having signed a new contract only five months ago. The youngster is happy to represent his boyhood club, and is not expected to push for a transfer elsewhere.
Barcelona midfielder expresses delight at Spain debut
Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has spoken about the joy he felt as he made his debut for Spain in their UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark. The 21-year-old came on for the final 20 minutes as Spain defeated Denmark 2-1 away from home.
After 15 stellar appearances and five assists in a Barcelona shirt this season, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente handed a call-up to Casado. The youngster made his debut for the national team, expressing the deep satisfaction and joy he felt at the achievement.
“I feel a lot of satisfaction. In moments like this you remember the people who have accompanied you along the way, the family and friends who have helped me so much. I’m very happy," Casado said to reporters (via Barca Blaugranes).
“Everything went well – the victory, securing first place in the group, and on top of that, the debut. Everything was perfect."
Marc Casado will hope to get some more minutes in the second of their games this month, when La Roja face Switzerland on November 18. The European champions have already sealed a place in the quarterfinals and top spot in their group.