The future of Barcelona‘s midfielder, Marc Casadó, appears increasingly uncertain for the upcoming season, as reported by the Spanish newspaper “AS”. This instability stems from his significantly reduced playing time under the management of German coach Hansi Flick during the current campaign.

Statistical evidence underscores this dramatic shift: Casadó has accumulated a mere 1092 minutes on the pitch this season, a stark contrast to the over 2000 minutes he enjoyed in the corresponding period last year. Despite Flick’s public assurances last summer regarding the player’s importance and even an expanded role granted in January, the coach cannot guarantee a continuation of the prominence Casadó held for two-thirds of the previous season.

While remaining at Barcelona is Casadó’s stated priority, the 22-year-old is acutely aware of the intense competition for places in the squad’s midfield. The presence of indispensable figures like Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, coupled with Fermín López‘s return to form, creates a crowded landscape. The imminent return of Gavi this month, the emergence of new talents such as Tommy Marqués, and the versatility of Eric García, who can also operate in midfield, further complicate his path to regular football.

A Potential Saudi Sojourn: A Well-Trodden Path

Should Casadó, after weighing all factors, decide to seek a new challenge, Saudi Arabia emerges as a viable option on the table. The Roshn Saudi Professional League, renowned for its unparalleled economic power compared to other competitions, presents a significant incentive. It is noted that Al-Ittihad expressed concrete interest in acquiring the player’s services back in 2024.

However, given his age and reputation in other major markets, notably the English Premier League, any move to the Middle East would likely be contemplated only as a temporary venture. The model Casadó would consider, as per the report, is a “round-trip” experience similar to journeys undertaken by other Spanish internationals.

The precedents are clear: Gabri Veiga transferred from Celta Vigo to Al-Ahli Jeddah in 2023, spending two seasons there before returning to European football via FC Porto. Similarly, Aymeric Laporte played for two seasons with Al-Nassr from 2023 to 2025 before securing a return to Athletic Bilbao. This pathway, offering substantial financial reward without permanently severing European ties, could shape Casadó’s decision-making process if an exit from Catalonia becomes inevitable.