How Barcelona midfielder could hold the key to permanent deal for veteran defender

Barcelona’s summer transfer strategy may hinge on the future of 22-year-old midfielder Marc Casado, whose potential sale to Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal could unlock the permanent signing of Joao Cancelo, Mundo Deportivo reports.

With the window approaching, the Catalan club have prioritised a new striker and centre-back, yet the status of current loanees Marcus Rashford and Cancelo remains high on the agenda. Manager Hansi Flick has already approved retaining the Portuguese full-back, but only if the deal is cost-neutral: a free transfer plus a reduced wage packet.

Al Hilal, however, are refusing to release Cancelo without compensation and have slapped a €15 million valuation on the 30-year-old. That fee is beyond Barcelona’s present budget, prompting the club to explore creative solutions.

Enter Casado. The La Masia graduate, while not a regular starter under Flick, has emerged as a coveted asset across Europe and the Gulf. Al Hilal attempted to lure him in January, only for player and coach to block the move while Gavi recovered from injury. With the season winding down and stability expected to return to the region, the Saudi side are expected to renew their pursuit.

Barcelona value Casado at roughly €20 million, a figure that would comfortably cover Cancelo’s €15 million price tag and leave surplus cash for reinvestment. A direct player-plus-cash swap has not been formally discussed, yet the outline of such an arrangement is clear: sell Casado, fund Cancelo.

For now, both players remain focused on the run-in, aiming to deliver La Liga and Champions League success. But as the market prepares to open, the intertwined futures of a homegrown midfielder and a veteran defender could shape Barcelona’s defensive rebuild for 2025-26.