Barcelona homegrown talent has started the season with ‘extra motivation’ despite competition | OneFootball

According to a report from SPORT, Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has started the 2025/26 season with ‘extra motivation’, showing that he is ready to fight for a place in the starting XI despite the tough competition in midfield.

Throughout the summer transfer window, Casado’s future was the subject of constant speculation.

Some within the club’s structure believed selling him could help ease Barça’s financial difficulties, and rumours of a possible exit grew stronger during the transfer window.

However, Hansi Flick was clear in his message that he did not plan to let him go. That reassurance helped Casado stay focused, even if dealing with the outside noise was far from easy.

Motivated and committed

What sets Casado apart is not only his ability on the pitch but also his mentality off it. Beyond the regular training schedule, he often puts in extra hours, taking it upon himself to improve.

He is also one of the first to step up when sessions are voluntary, a clear sign of his professionalism and hunger to succeed.

Marc Casado wants to fight for his place. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Last season was a reminder of what he brings to the team. Casado was instrumental in Barça’s impressive early run, especially during the memorable week in which they overcame both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Those performances strengthened his reputation inside the dressing room and showed that he has the qualities needed to make an impact at the highest level.

Looking ahead, the midfielder’s focus is firmly on Barcelona. His ultimate goal is to consolidate himself at the club where he has grown and developed.

The only scenario that could open the door to a departure is if, by January, he finds himself with very little playing time and receives significant offers from elsewhere.

Even then, leaving would be a difficult decision. For now, Casado is fully concentrated on working hard, proving his worth, and earning his place in Hansi Flick’s plans.