Barcelona rejected €8 million Saudi bid for rising star in summer

Barcelona rejected €8 million Saudi bid for rising star in summer

In a surprising development, it has come to light through SPORT that a team from Saudi Arabia showed interest in signing Barcelona’s rising star, Marc Casado, during the previous transfer window.

The young midfielder has garnered significant attention due to his recent performances, and he has quickly become a valuable player under manager Hansi Flick.

Casado’s integration into the Barcelona squad has been timely, as he stepped up when the team was struggling with injuries, showcasing his abilities and adaptability on the field.

At just 21 years old, he has seized the opportunity to secure his place in Barcelona’s starting line-up. His consistent performances have made him indispensable, reflecting his dedication to the club.

Interestingly, this commitment has not gone unnoticed by clubs abroad, especially in the Saudi Pro League. This summer, there was notable interest from Saudi Arabia, with key clubs and investment funds reaching out to Barcelona with tempting financial offers.

Marc Casado is not for sale. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Their proposals came as they were aware of Barcelona’s ongoing financial struggles, leading them to inquire about the potential availability of several players, including Raphinha, Vitor Roque, Robert Lewandowski, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inigo Martinez, and Casado.

One Saudi club was reportedly prepared to offer as much as €8 million for Casado, despite him not yet having solidified his position in the first team at that time.

However, this deal ultimately fell through, allowing Barcelona to retain their young talent. In a strategic move, Casado recently extended his contract until 2028, which strengthens the club’s hold on him.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has made it clear that La Masia is of utmost importance. Although there were proposals from funds looking to acquire shares in several of Barcelona’s young talents, Laporta firmly declined these offers.

In the end, while financial challenges continue to be a concern for Barcelona, the club’s dedication to its homegrown talent remains true.

Casado’s renewed contract and the club’s stance on nurturing La Masia players signal a strong commitment to developing talent from within, rather than relying on external investments.