Marc Casado's camp given fresh hope over Barcelona stay

Marc Casado's camp given fresh hope over Barcelona stay

Marc Casado's expected departure from Barcelona is no longer as certain, with the midfielder now in a stronger position to remain at the club beyond the off-season transfer window.

The La Masia graduate had appeared destined to leave before circumstances shifted, prompting head coach Hansi Flick to reassess his midfield options.

Casado has consistently made it clear that his preference is to stay at Barcelona, insisting he would only consider leaving if the club explicitly informed him he was no longer part of its plans.

The change comes after Frenkie de Jong suffered a knee injury that has cast doubt over Barcelona's squad planning. While the Dutch midfielder still requires further medical examinations, initial assessments have raised significant concern over the severity of the problem.

If the injury keeps De Jong out for around four months, as feared, Barcelona would be without one of Flick's key midfielders during the opening months of the season. That possibility could persuade the Catalan giants to keep Casado rather than sanction his exit.

"There are still things we need to discuss with the coach, the sporting directors and my agent. We'll do that over the coming weeks and then decide," he told Tot Costa on Catalunya Radio.

"Nobody can doubt that I want to stay here. If someone tells me they don't want me, then we'll have to find the best solution for everyone.

"As a Barca fan, I want what's best for the team and the club. If they think I should stay, I'll stay. If they believe it's better for the club that I leave so the team can continue growing, then I'll go." 

READ MORE: Terrence Mashego arrival ends Stellies move for Happy Mashiane