Manchester United’s midfield rebuild is picking up speed, and the next name on the board might come cheaper than anyone expected. According to reports out of Spain, Barcelona’s Marc Casado is open to leaving Camp Nou this summer after falling to fifth in the pecking order—and United are monitoring the situation closely.
Casado, a 22-year-old La Masia product, made only 10 league starts last season. That number isn’t likely to improve anytime soon. With Pedri and Frenkie de Jong locked in as untouchable starters, and Gavi and Marc Bernal both back from long-term injuries, Casado has slid down the depth chart. The writing is on the wall: regular minutes aren’t coming at Barcelona.
That’s where United comes in. Under Michael Carrick, the club is prioritizing a midfield overhaul ahead of their Champions League return. They’ve already agreed to a deal for Ederson and opened talks with West Ham over Mateus Fernandes. Interest in Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba is real, but the finances required for those deals may be prohibitive. Casado offers a more budget-friendly option.
Barcelona reportedly values the midfielder at a realistic €25 million—a fee that would register as pure profit for the club thanks to his academy roots. For United, that’s a manageable price tag in a market where similar profiles often command double. Casado has two years left on his contract, giving Barcelona some leverage but not an unlimited window to cash in.
The player, described by some scouts as ‘spectacular’ for his passing range and work rate, has reportedly accepted that his path to consistent playing time at Camp Nou is blocked. With help from high-profile agent Jorge Mendes, Casado is now weighing his options. Atletico Madrid and Saudi club Al Hilal have also shown interest, though a move to the Saudi Pro League seems unlikely for a player still eyeing a spot on Spain’s national team—he missed out on the World Cup squad and knows he needs regular football to force his way back in.
United haven’t confirmed any formal talks, but the logic is clear. A low-cost, high-upside midfielder who wants out of a crowded system fits the profile of what they’re trying to build. Whether Casado makes the leap to the Premier League or stays in Spain could come down to the next few weeks of negotiations.
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