Barcelona Slashes Asking Price to €25m for Departing Midfielder
Barcelona's €25 million asking price for departing midfielder Marc Casado has left potential suitors hesitant to submit a formal offer.
The 22-year-old's departure has been on the cards since the end of last season, with Casado informed that regular minutes could be difficult to come by during the current campaign. This prompted his camp to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Casado's agent Jorge Mendes has spent much of the summer working to secure a move for the Barcelona midfielder. Several clubs have been linked with the Spaniard, but talks have yet to produce a definitive outcome.
Interest has reportedly come from Saudi Arabia, with two clubs monitoring the situation, including Al Hilal. However, a move to the Middle East appears unlikely at present, as Casado does not want to continue his career there.
Attention has also turned towards England, where Sunderland and Nottingham Forest have emerged as potential destinations. Both clubs have been mentioned among the teams keeping an eye on the 22-year-old, although neither has made a formal bid.
Turkish clubs could offer a new route, with Besiktas among the interested teams. The Istanbul side had already shown interest in the midfielder earlier in June, and the possibility of reviving that pursuit could give Barcelona another avenue to facilitate his departure.
Barcelona's asking price, though, remains a significant hurdle. The club could have potentially commanded more than €30 million for Casado a while ago, but his reduced involvement last season has affected his market value.
For now, Casado's future remains unresolved. The midfielder appears set to move on from Barcelona, but Mendes still has work to do to find the right destination and, crucially, a club capable of getting close enough to Barcelona's €25 million asking price.
The situation remains a complex one, with several clubs and destinations in the mix. It remains to be seen whether Barcelona's €25 million valuation will be met, or if Casado will have to consider alternative options.
Source: Yahoo Sports