Barcelona identify the ideal La Masia to replace fringe midfielder; no new signing expected | OneFootball

As Barcelona look to shore up the team for the season ahead, the club are expecting a few high profile departures, with Robert Lewandowski already leaving the club after four years.

One of the players expected to join Lewandowski down the exit door is Marc Casado. The young midfielder has struggled to carve out a place for himself in the first-team and could find greener pastures in the coming summer.

With Casado expected to leave, Barcelona may have to find a replacement in the middle of the park.

Barcelona’s plan for Casado’s potential exit

Barcelona will listen to offers for Casado this summer. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

According to Diario SPORT, Barcelona have no intention of spending money in the transfer market to replace Casado should he leave.

The club believe the midfield is already well stocked with Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Marc Bernal, Dani Olmo, Pedri and Fermin Lopez, and that no external addition is necessary.

Casado has received lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia but has repeatedly expressed his loyalty to the club.

Regardless of his final decision, Barcelona are comfortable with their options. As a homegrown player, any transfer fee received for him would represent pure profit.

Tommy Marques earmarked as the natural successor

Tommy Marques has impressed at La Masia. (Photo courtesy: Instagram/tommy.marques)

The player Barcelona have identified to fill any void left by Casado is Tommy Marques, a Barcelona native who has been part of the first-team environment for much of this season.

He has played just nine minutes of competitive football so far, but Hansi Flick believes strongly in his potential and plans to bring him into pre-season.

Marques is said to have drawn comparisons to Frenkie de Jong in some of his movements and touches during his appearances for the reserve side, and De Jong himself has been something of a role model for the youngster.