Manchester United are preparing a move to sign Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado in a cut-price summer transfer, with the player now willing to leave the Camp Nou.
Casado's limited role at Barcelona
Casado, a product of Barcelona's La Masia academy, has struggled for regular minutes under manager Hansi Flick. During the 2025-26 season, the 22-year-old started only 12 matches in all competitions, sitting behind Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Gavi in the midfield pecking order as Barcelona secured the Spanish title. Despite his limited playing time, Casado previously dismissed the possibility of leaving the club.
Change of heart and United interest
According to reports from Marca, Casado is now open to a departure, with his situation unlikely to improve next season. Manchester United are among the clubs showing interest, dating back to an initial enquiry in January. Although United have not made a formal offer, they are leading the race to sign the midfielder.
Casado is valued at around €20 million (£17.3 million), making him a relative bargain in a transfer window where midfielders often command premium fees. Barcelona are keen to finalize his exit before the end of June to balance their books, but the club acknowledges that without a significant development in the coming days, that deadline is unlikely to be met.
Competition and United's midfield rebuild
Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in Casado, while Chelsea were credited with interest last year. Clubs from Saudi Arabia are prepared to enter the fray, but Casado's preference is to join a more ambitious and competitive league.
Manchester United are rebuilding their midfield this summer following Casemiro's exit, with Manuel Ugarte also potentially moving on. That would leave Kobbie Mainoo as the only senior central midfielder. The club have already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, expected to be made official next month. Elliot Anderson has been a top target, but the Nottingham Forest star prefers a move to Manchester City. United are in talks to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, with Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton also among their targets.
