Al Nassr identify Barcelona midfielder as Brozovic replacement | OneFootball

Marc Casado remains a name to watch in Barcelona’s transfer planning, with interest from Saudi Arabia still present as the young Spaniard tries to sort out his future this summer.

After an excellent first season under Hansi Flick, his second season left a lot to be desired as Casado continued to slip down the pecking order among midfielders in the squad.

Now, according to SPORT, citing Al-Midan, Al-Nassr are looking for a young and proven midfielder to replace Marcelo Brozovic, and Casado is one of the main names on their list alongside Azzedine Ounahi.

The Saudi club are said to want a midfielder with status, quality and room to grow. Casado ticks all those boxes and has shown that when in form, he can be a very good midfielder.

The report makes clear that Casado and his entourage have maintained the same public stance: he wants to stay, compete and convince Flick. From the player’s point of view, that is understandable. He came through Barca, knows the club, and wants his chance to matter.

But the sporting picture is more complicated. Flick appears to have other priorities in midfield, while Barca’s sporting department are still looking for ways to reduce the squad and bring in important income.

Casado is a La Masia player with energy, discipline and tactical education, which makes the idea of selling him uncomfortable. At the same time, Barca cannot ignore the financial side.

If Al-Nassr eventually make a strong offer, the club will have to study it seriously, especially for a player whose pathway to regular minutes is not guaranteed.

The comparison with Ounahi is also important. The Moroccan offers a more offensive profile, while Casado is more about balance, intensity and control without the ball.

Casado should not be pushed out cheaply

For Barca, the key is not to rush the decision. Selling Casado only makes sense if the offer is strong enough and if Flick is certain there is no major role for him next season.

Casado may not be the most glamorous midfielder, but those profiles often become important over a long season.

Still, if his minutes are going to be limited, a sale to Saudi Arabia could give Barcelona financial breathing room and the chance to reinforce elsewhere.

It remains to be seen if Al Nassr progress and make a concrete effort to sign the former Barca Atletic captain this summer.