Barcelona star sends message to Man Utd over £87m transfer

Marc Casado has distanced himself from speculation linking him with the likes of Atletico Madrid and Manchester United, claiming it is his ‘dream’ and ‘priority’ to play for Barcelona.

Casado broke into Barcelona’s first-team squad in 2022 and the 22-year-old midfielder has gone on to make 61 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood club.

In that time, Casado – one of the latest in a long line of La Masia academy products – has helped Barca win four pieces of silverware, including last season’s La Liga title.

But Casado has played something of a bit-part role under Hansi Flick, forced to be patient for regular playing time amid fierce competition from the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi and Dani Olmo.

There has been mounting speculation in recent weeks that Casado may have to strongly consider his future at the Camp Nou should his minutes fail to improve, with his place in Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad on the line.

Just last week, Mundo Deportivo claimed Atletico Madrid were eyeing a move for Casado having identified the defensive midfielder as a possible long-term replacement for Conor Gallagher.

The report claimed both Manchester United and Wolves had also made enquiries for Casado after ‘closely monitoring’ the Spaniard’s progress in Catalonia for some time.

However, in a clear message to Atleti, United and Wolves, Casado has been quick to shut down rumours that he could soon be set for the exit door at the Camp Nou.

‘Wearing this shirt [Barcelona] will always be my priority,’ Casado said after playing the full 90 minutes in Barca’s 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo.

‘It’s a dream I’ve had since I was a child and I hope it stays that way for many years.

‘I’m going to make the most of every minute I get.’

On the win over Oviedo, Casado added: ‘They pressed hard, played a brave game but I think we circulated the ball well.

‘We moved them around well, knowing they would tire, but we lacked aggression in the final pass.

‘Then, in the second half, we scored after two good recoveries.’

Defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad in Barcelona’s previous contest means Real Madrid now trail their bitter rivals by just one point in La Liga.

But according to Casado, Barca must continue to concentrate on themselves if they are to hold off Madrid and successfully defend the title they won last season.

‘We know that to win titles we have to focus on our own game,’ the Spain international continued.

‘The important thing is that I see the team very motivated.’

Casado – who has previously been linked with Chelsea – is tied into a contract with Barca until June 2028.

It’s been widely reported that Casado has a release clause in his current deal at the Camp Nou worth €100million (£87m).

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