Chelsea make approach to sign Barcelona star with £83m buyout clause

Chelsea have taken a significant step in their pursuit of Barcelona’s rising star Marc Casado, making direct contact with his representatives as they explore the possibility of bringing the midfielder to Stamford Bridge. Despite Barcelona’s determination to retain their talented youngster, the London club remains keen on testing the Catalans’ resolve ahead of the summer transfer window.

Casado, a product of Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy, joined the club at 13 and made his senior debut in 2022 during a Champions League fixture against Viktoria Plzen. Since then, he has progressed steadily, earning a place in Hansi Flick’s squad this season, featuring in 30 matches across all competitions.

The 21-year-old’s rapid rise has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs. Last summer, he was briefly a free agent before committing his future to Barcelona by signing a long-term contract until 2028. His decision to stay highlighted his ambition to establish himself as a key player at Camp Nou.

However, Chelsea have reignited their interest, with reports from Cadena SER suggesting the Blues have reached out to Casado’s camp, signaling their serious intent. His current contract includes a hefty €100 million (£83m) buyout clause, a price tag that underscores Barcelona’s valuation of the midfielder.

Casado’s performances under Flick have been impressive, demonstrating his composure and tactical intelligence in midfield. However, his recent form has seen fluctuations, leading to him being benched in critical encounters against Sevilla and Valencia. This has sparked speculation over his standing within Flick’s plans, potentially providing Chelsea with an opportunity to swoop in.

The Spanish youngster remains committed to Barcelona and is keen on proving himself under Flick. Sources close to the player suggest he views himself as a long-term asset for the club. He has credited Flick for his development, emphasizing their strong player-coach relationship.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are eager to revamp their midfield following an underwhelming domestic campaign. With multiple departures expected, they see Casado as a long-term solution to their midfield struggles. The Blues have prioritized young, technically skilled players who can adapt to the intensity of English football, and Casado fits the bill.

Despite Chelsea’s interest, Barcelona remain firm in their stance. Club officials are reluctant to entertain offers for Casado, as they see him as a crucial part of their long-term project under Flick. However, with the club facing financial difficulties, a substantial offer from Chelsea could force them to reconsider.

Should Chelsea decide to push forward with their pursuit, they may either trigger Casado’s release clause or negotiate a structured deal that aligns with Barcelona’s financial needs. Ultimately, Casado’s future will depend on his own ambitions. While he has reiterated his commitment to Barcelona, the lure of Premier League football and Chelsea’s project could be enticing if the right assurances are made.

The coming months will be decisive as Chelsea strategize their next move. The Blues’ persistence in the transfer market suggests they will not back down easily, while Barcelona will be keen to secure Casado’s long-term commitment.

For now, Casado remains focused on cementing his place in Flick’s squad. However, with Chelsea lurking, speculation surrounding his future is far from over, setting the stage for a compelling transfer saga in the upcoming window.