Barcelona reject offer from Liverpool, Arsenal and 3 other clubs for 21-year-old star: Reports
Barcelona have rejected offers from five clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, for 21-year-old midfield star Marc Casado, according to El Nacional. The youngster was promoted to the first team due to a host of injuries to their midfield players.
This season, Casado has already made 14 appearances in all competitions, including four in the UEFA Champions League. He has been a source of creativity under Hansi Flick, providing five assists in those appearances, including an assist in their 4-0 win over Real Madrid.
Even with the return of first-team players like Gavi and Frenkie de Jong, Hansi Flick has persisted with Casado. Notably, the club have been searching for a long-term successor to legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets, and seem to have found one in the youngster.
According to the aforementioned report, five European giants - Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain - have all enquired for the player. However, those have been turned down by the Catalan giants.
The report claimed the interested clubs were hoping to use Barcelona's financial problems to convince them to sell Casado. However, the 21-year-old is now considered unsellable, unless his massive €100 million release clause is met.
The Barcelona hierarchy are reportedly preparing a new contract extension for Casado to increase his release clause and make it even harder for interested parties.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick speaks about win over Red Star Belgrade
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick was pleased with his side's performance in the impressive 5-2 win over Red Star Belgrade. The two sides faced off in the Champions League on Wednesday, November 6, with the Blaugrana winning handsomely at the Red Star Stadium.
The win has driven them into the top six of the continental competition. The manager shared his delight after the game, telling Movistar Plus (via Reuters);
"The most important thing is the three points, it's not easy to win away from home in this competition, the Champions League is complicated. I'm very happy, I really value what we're doing. We've been very good on the ball and we've put a lot of pressure on.
"Red Star played very well, they knew how to play with the ball and it's difficult to defend against them. I really appreciate my players being focused for 90 minutes because it's not easy."
Barcelona have been brilliant this season, as they sit on top of LaLiga with a nine-point lead. They will return to the league to face Real Sociedad next at the Anoeta on November 10.