Al-Nassr identify Barcelona talent as priority replacement for veteran star – report | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has once again found himself on the radar of Saudi Arabian football, with Al-Nassr considering the youngster as part of their plans to strengthen the midfield this summer.

The Saudi Pro League side is preparing for a significant rebuild in midfield following the expected departure of veteran midfielder Marcelo Brozovic. 

Replacing a player of his experience and influence is viewed as a priority, and club officials are now assessing several options capable of filling that void ahead of the new season.

On that note, according to SPORT, Casado has emerged as one of the leading names under consideration.

Al-Nassr see Casado as Brozovic’s replacement

The departure of Brozovic would leave a major gap in Al-Nassr’s squad, both in terms of quality and leadership. 

As a result, the Saudi club are willing to invest heavily in the transfer market to secure a midfielder who can contribute immediately while also offering long-term value.

Casado fits that profile. Despite fierce competition for places in Barcelona’s midfield, the youngster remains one of the most promising defensive midfielders to emerge from La Masia in recent years.

Al-Nassr are interested in Casado. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

However, he is not the only player under consideration, as the report states that Al-Nassr are also keeping tabs on Moroccan international Azzedine Ounahi, who impressed during his spell with Girona.

At this stage, no formal offer has arrived on Barcelona’s table, but Casado’s name continues to feature prominently in discussions surrounding Al-Nassr’s summer recruitment strategy.

Saudi interest refuses to disappear

This is not the first time clubs from Saudi Arabia have been linked with the Barcelona midfielder. 

In fact, interest in Casado has resurfaced repeatedly over recent months, especially with Al-Hilal as part of the Joao Cancelo deal.

Despite the speculation, neither Casado nor those close to him have shown any sign of pushing for a departure. 

However, it is said that if they open the door to Saudi move, Casado would prefer to play alongside former Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez instead of playing for Al-Hilal.

Decision time for Barcelona

Casado could leave Barcelona this summer. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

While Casado remains highly valued within the club, Barcelona’s midfield situation is becoming increasingly crowded under Hansi Flick. 

The German coach has several established options available, while the sporting department continues to explore ways of balancing the squad and improving the club’s financial position.

That is where this situation becomes interesting. 

Barcelona are actively searching for opportunities to generate transfer income without weakening key areas of the squad, and a significant offer for Casado would inevitably spark internal discussions.

For now, the midfielder remains a Barcelona player and no concrete negotiations have begun. 

However, with Al-Nassr searching for a marquee midfield signing and Barcelona continuing to evaluate their summer transfer strategy, this is a story that could gather momentum in the weeks ahead.