Al-Hilal Ready Improved Marc Casadó Bid as Barça Hold Out for €40m

Marc Casadó is the subject of a renewed Saudi push, with Al-Hilal preparing an improved offer for the Barcelona midfielder before the window closes, according to reports in Saudi Arabia relayed by Diario SPORT and Barça Universal. The Riyadh club are said to have stepped up their efforts after learning the La Masia graduate has still not made a definitive decision on his next destination.

Al-Hilal’s approaches so far have been worth around €30m — Barcelona rejected their opening bid earlier this window — and the Blaugrana’s position has not moved: €40m, nothing less. Al-Ahli are also reported to be tracking the midfielder, competition the club hope will push the final fee towards their valuation.

In the meantime, Casadó’s day-to-day situation has grown awkward. He has been moved out of the first-team training group along with other players whose futures are unresolved, missed the trip to Udine for the pre-season triangular, and is said to be frustrated at being separated from Hansi Flick’s squad.

Where this leaves Marc Casadó

A fee near €40m would hand Barcelona a major sale in a window in which the club are still working on incomings. With deadline day on 31 August drawing closer, Al-Hilal’s next offer should reveal whether the Saudi side will meet Barça’s price — and whether Casadó, still weighing several proposals, is ready to say yes.