Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has emerged as a target for the Saudi Pro League, with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) placing him on a list of candidates they intend to pursue in the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old has struggled to get regular minutes this season under Hansi Flick, with Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Dani Olmo, and rising star Marc Bernal all ahead of him in the pecking order.
According to 365Scores, as cited by SPORT, PIF, which controls the four leading clubs in the Saudi Pro League, in Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli, and Al-Ittihad, are planning to offer Barcelona a proposal north of €40 million to open negotiations.
Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad are said to be leading the chase, drawn to his combative style and precise passing.
It is understood that Casado would be offered a salary far higher than his current one, which is reported to be among the lowest in the squad.
A senior PIF executive is expected to arrange a meeting with the player’s representatives in the coming days to explore his openness to a move.
The deal is expected to be complicated, as Casado recently signed with agent Jorge Mendes in November. Mendes is well-versed in the Saudi market and is already fielding enquiries on the midfielder’s behalf.
Barcelona rejected an approach from Manchester United for Casado last month, and the Spanish club maintains that they wish to renew his contract before the end of the season.
