In another dramatic twist to the 2025 summer transfer window, Chelsea have set their sights on one of La Masia’s brightest stars: Marc Casadó. But Barcelona have made their stance crystal clear it’s €50 million or nothing.
🔵 Chelsea’s Interest Is Real
Under new head coach Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are continuing their youth-first recruitment strategy. Having already brought in names like Dário Essugo and Andrey Santos, the London giants now view Casadó as the next piece of their midfield puzzle — a technically gifted and physically capable player who can handle the pace and pressure of the Premier League.
Casadó’s profile is particularly attractive:
Age: 21 Position: Central/Defensive Midfielder Contract: Until 2028 Release Clause: €100 million
While the Blues are known for bold spending, the price tag is steep even by their standards. Initial estimates placed Casadó’s value between €30–40 million, but Barcelona are holding out for €50 million and with good reason.
🔴 Casadó’s Rise at Barcelona
The young midfielder had a breakthrough season under Hansi Flick, featuring in 36 matches (29 starts), contributing 1 goal and 6 assists. Casadó’s relentless pressing, sharp passing, and intelligent positioning made him a standout performer in a Barça side that won a domestic treble and reached the Champions League semifinals.
Even Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s national team coach, dubbed him an “animal” for his engine and defensive awareness.
But everything changed in the second half of the campaign. A knee injury in March kept Casadó sidelined. In his absence, the likes of Frenkie de Jong and emerging talent Marc Bernal reclaimed midfield dominance. Now, with a crowded engine room featuring Pedri, Gavi, Dani Olmo, and Fermín López, Casadó is no longer an automatic starter.
💸 Why Barcelona Are Willing to Sell
Despite his potential, Casadó may become a financial casualty of Barcelona’s ongoing efforts to comply with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play rules. The club’s summer transfer plans including big moves like the failed bid for Nico Williams require balancing the books.
Selling Casadó, even for a fee below his release clause, could free up space to register new signings. But Barça won’t let him go on the cheap. Hence, the €50 million valuation.
⚖️ Loyalty vs Opportunity: Casadó’s Decision
The young midfielder has long dreamed of becoming a legend at the Camp Nou. A boyhood Barça fan, Casadó has spoken publicly about his desire to win trophies with the club that raised him. But the chance to play regular football in England especially under a coach who sees him as a key part of his project could be too tempting to pass up.
Chelsea are not alone in their interest. Liverpool and Arsenal have also been linked with Casadó, with informal talks said to have taken place as early as February 2025. However, Chelsea’s fast-moving project and willingness to spend may give them the upper hand.
🕵️♂️ What Happens Next?
With the summer window heating up, negotiations are expected to intensify. Chelsea may try to negotiate the fee down, but with Casadó contracted until 2028 and a €100M release clause in place, Barcelona are under no pressure to sell unless their demands are met.
The story is still unfolding, but one thing is certain: Marc Casadó has become one of the most sought-after young midfielders in Europe, and where he lands this summer could shape the future of two of Europe’s biggest clubs.
✅ Key Facts:
Chelsea want Casadó, but Barcelona demand €50M Player had breakout season with 36 appearances and 7 goal contributions Injuries and squad depth have reduced his minutes at Barça Barcelona may sell due to FFP and squad overcrowding Casadó is a lifelong Blaugrana but the Premier League beckons