Bayer Leverkusen join Besiktas in race for out-of-favour Barcelona star – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has known well of his situation since the beginning of the summer, and Hansi Flick’s pre-season campaign also made it clear to the player that he should look for a way out.

The La Masia graduate, however, has delayed his exit operation in the hope of a giant entering the race and even rejected offers from Asia.

With deadline day now nearing, Casado does not have long to finalise his departure and Turkey has emerged as a top destination for the player.

According to Mundo Deportivo now, however, Casado’s best option may well have just entered the race.

A chance to shine in Germany

As reported by the Spanish outlet, Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen have entered the race for Casado strongly in recent hours, and could well present the player’s most favourable route out.

Will Casado leave for Germany? (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Given their commitment to developing young talents and maintaining a young and dynamic core, Leverkusen present Casado with an opportunity where his strengths could be maximised.

Further, the new manager of the club – Carles Martinez – is a Catalan coach who knows of Casado and his talent.

That could well act as another factor that pushes the player to Germany apart from the fact that it keeps him in Europe’s elite.

Other options at his doorstep

Before Leverkusen’s entry into the race, Besiktas were said to be in pole position to land Casado this summer and continue to keep close tabs on him. They too are pressing for his signing and continue to push for the deal’s completion.

Flick does not count on Casado. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Beyond that, there have been signs of interest from England – particularly Everton. However, that interest has not been made concrete, nor has it led to any negotiations beginning.

Finally, RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga have also been keeping tabs on the Barcelona midfielder, but have made alternative arrangements for the position in recent weeks.

As matters stand, Besiktas and Bayer Leverkusen are thus the two most prominent options on his table.

The coming hours will be crucial as the player must make a swift decision. Deadline day, after all, is almost upon us and the negotiations will also be a time-consuming process.