Exit-linked Barcelona midfielder makes stance on future clear: ‘Will always want to defend this badge to death’ | OneFootball

Barcelona have been placing a lot of emphasis on exits so far this summer, having already secured a move for Ansu Fati to AS Monaco and agreed a deal with Ajax to send Marc-Andre ter Stegen out on loan.

One other player who seems to have been placed on the exit ramp this summer is Spanish midfielder Marc Casado. The La Masia graduate has fallen down the pecking order at the Catalan club.

Now, in an interview with SPORT, Marc Casado has made his position clear at a time when doubts around his Barcelona future continue to appear in the background.

Casado leaves no doubt

The former Barça Atletic captain addressed his future directly while speaking during the first edition of his own campus. Asked whether his priority remains succeeding at Barcelona, he replied:

“Yes. I have always said it. As long as the coach and the club want it that way, I will always want to defend this badge to the death.”

Casado does not wish to leave Barcelona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Casado is not speaking like a player looking for a way out. He is speaking like someone who understands exactly what Barcelona means and still sees his future tied to the club.

The midfielder added that he will always try to give his best version to help the team and the club.

In a squad full of young talent and constant competition, that attitude is important. He is not demanding guarantees. He is making his commitment clear.

Exit only if Barça open the door

Casado was also asked what his future depends on, and his answer was balanced.

He admitted that things would have to be discussed if either the club or the player felt a departure was best.

He said: “If one of the two parties comes and tells me they do not count on me or that they think the best thing is for me to leave, then we will talk about things, we will talk with the agents and decide together what is best.”

Casado will consider leaving if Barcelona ask him to. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The key line came after that: “If both parties want me to continue, I will continue. If one of the parties wants me to leave, then we will see.”

This kind of attitude is so difficult to find in an ambitious youngster. At a time when everyone is chasing guarantees and minutes, Casado seems to be very calm about his future.

A La Masia player with a clear identity

This is why Casado’s case feels different. He is a La Masia player, a strong dressing-room presence, and someone who understands the weight of the shirt.

Barcelona may still have decisions to make depending on squad planning, finances and Hansi Flick’s midfield structure, but there seems to be a chance that he could stay beyond this summer transfer window.

His message is calm and direct: he will stay and fight for the badge unless the club tells him otherwise.