Barcelona staff believe 21-year-old midfielder could be used in defensive position if they decide to rest Jules Kounde: Reports
According to Ferran Correas (via Reshad Rahman), Barcelona‘s coaches are currently exploring the possibility of playing Marc Casado at right-back if Jules Kounde is given a rest. Casado has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2024-25 in defensive midfield and has featured in 15 games across competitions this season.
Kounde, meanwhile, has been Blaugrana's first-choice right-back option and has registered five goal contributions in 17 appearances across all competitions. Hector Fort is La Blaugrana's second-choice option at right-back, but the 18-year-old has made only 17 appearances for the senior team in his career. This could be why Barca are considering playing Casado at right-back if Kounde is given a rest.
Casado has had a brilliant start to the campaign, providing five assists in 15 games for La Blaugrana. A brief overview of Casado's defensive numbers in the 2024-25 LaLiga campaign indicates his impressive performance. The Spaniard has won 43 duels and completed 13 tackles in 11 LaLiga games.
Barcelona are looking to sign a winger in 2025 - Reports
According to Fabrizio Romano (via Managing Barca), Barcelona are currently exploring the possibility of signing a winger in 2025. The journalist has also claimed that Rafael Leao and Nico Williams are the most prominent options on the list.
Leao has had a solid start to the 2024-25 campaign, scoring three goals and providing five assists in 14 games for AC Milan. His tally includes an assist in Milan's recent UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, Leao is contracted at Milan until June 2028, which could make signing him a costly affair.
On the flip side, Barcelona have been heavily linked with Williams since last summer. The Spaniard had an exceptional campaign with Athletic Bilbao and Spain in 2023-24, but has had an underwhelming start to the current season.
Williams has netted two goals and registered two assists in 15 games across competitions. His contract with Athletic Bilbao runs until June 2027.