In recent years, large investments in Saudi football have had a tremendous impact on the worldwide football structure. Saudi teams, with major state support, are on the lookout for the best football talent in the world, and they have often knocked on FC Barcelona’s door.
Only during the last summer transfer window did clubs from the Middle Eastern countries express interest in Blaugrana stars such as Raphinha, Vitor Roque, Robert Lewandowski, Marc Andre Ter Stegen, and Inigo Martinez.
According to SPORT, these were not the only players who piqued Saudi Arabia’s interest, as midfielder Marc Casado was also a Blaugrana player. In fact, one Saudi club was prepared to offer €8 million for the midfielder, at a time when Casado had not even been a part of the Barcelona first-team.
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Fortunately for the Blaugranes, this operation did not materialize, and Casado renewed his contract with them until 2028. Following that extension, Casado has gone on to demonstrate his abilities at the top level, as he has been a highly trusted player for Flick and has started for him in recent games, including high-profile matches against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
However, the €15 million-rated Spaniard was not always anticipated to be a starter for Barcelona. In the previous summer transfer window, the Catalans were associated with numerous midfield pivots, most notably Amadou Onana and Mikel Merino, but were unable to sign any of them. Meanwhile, Ilkay Gundogan departed the club to join Manchester City.
As a result, Flick was obliged to rely on academy talent during the pre-season tour of the United States, and the youngster who impressed him the most at the time was Marc Bernal, Flick’s starting pivot at the beginning of the season.
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