Chelsea have set their sights on Barcelona’s rising star Marc Casado and have reached out to his representatives regarding a potential summer transfer.
Casado, who joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy at 13, made his first-team debut in 2022 during a Champions League clash against Viktoria Plzen. Under Hansi Flick, the 21-year-old has become an important part of the squad, making 30 appearances across all competitions this season.
However, speculation surrounding his future has been growing. According to Cadena SER, several Premier League clubs inquired about Casado’s availability last summer when he was briefly a free agent. Barcelona, keen to keep their young talent, quickly secured him on a long-term contract until 2028.
Despite this, Chelsea have reportedly reignited their interest, maintaining contact with Casado’s camp in recent weeks. The Blues are determined to reinforce their midfield and view the Spaniard as a key target.
Barcelona, however, are in a strong negotiating position. Casado’s contract includes a €100 million (£83m) release clause, making any transfer a significant financial commitment.
Additionally, the young midfielder remains firmly focused on succeeding at Camp Nou. Reports suggest he has no interest in leaving at this stage and is determined to carve out a long and successful career with the Catalan giants.
Casado’s recent form has been mixed. He started in Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Alavés but was substituted at halftime. He has since been on the bench for matches against Sevilla and Valencia. Despite this, he remains highly rated by Flick, who has been instrumental in his development.
Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s dominant 5-0 victory over Young Boys, Casado credited his manager for instilling confidence in him.
“The coach has helped me a lot in integrating into the first team, giving me the confidence to perform,” he said.
“He tells me clearly what I need to do to improve. These are my first matches in La Liga, and I feel comfortable. My teammates and the coach are helping me a lot, and I hope things continue this way.”
Chelsea are expected to push for Casado again when the transfer window reopens. However, with the midfielder committed to his Barcelona future and a hefty release clause in place, securing his signature could prove to be a major challenge.