Atletico Madrid renew interest in Barcelona homegrown midfielder – report | OneFootball

According to Carlos Monfort of SPORT, Atletico Madrid have once again expressed interest in FC Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado.

Los Rojiblancos’ president Enrique Cerezo allegedly spoke to his Barça counterpart Joan Laporta several weeks ago to reaffirm their interest in the La Masia graduate.

Casado’s future uncertain

Barcelona are expected to face a busy summer transfer window. The club need to make some sales and generate revenue, and one name increasingly expected to become part of transfer discussions is Casado.

The young midfielder is currently among the players most likely to leave the club following a season in which he struggled for significant involvement under Hansi Flick.

Atletico Madrid want Casado. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

And, as per the report, Atletico Madrid have decided to renew their interest in signing the La Masia product in the summer transfer window. In mid-April, Atletico president Cerezo personally contacted Laporta to communicate the club’s interest in the player.

Barcelona had already been aware of Atletico’s interest for some time, but that contact served to confirm that the capital club continued to monitor the midfielder’s situation closely.

Laporta subsequently passed the matter to sporting director Deco, who has already held informal discussions with the player and will now be responsible for assessing the situation carefully over the coming weeks.

Casado wants to stay

Casado’s profile is highly regarded at Atletico Madrid, particularly by manager Diego Simeone. The Colchoneros believe his determination and work ethic fit naturally into the style and philosophy of the team.

Casado wants to stay. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

However, Casado wants to remain at Barcelona. The player has already held discussions with the club and has expressed that, despite his limited playing time and understanding that he may be considered available for transfer, Barcelona will continue to be his first choice.

Casado has never shown frustration despite receiving fewer minutes this season. The academy graduate has maintained a professional attitude throughout, continuing to work quietly and remaining fully committed to the group at all times.

Throughout the season, several important offers arrived for the midfielder. Clubs in Saudi Arabia repeatedly enquired about his situation, while various European teams also explored possibilities through his representatives.

However, Casado consistently postponed discussions because he wanted to focus entirely completing the season calmly at Barcelona. And, now he remains determined to fight until the end for his place at the club.