Barça’s midfield mystery: Casado faces a crossroads as Saudi whispers grow
11 February 2026
Current Situation at Barcelona
Mark Casado's future at Barcelona remains unsettled as the 2025-26 campaign moves toward its final phase, with his playing time this season falling well short of the expectations he set during his breakthrough under German coach Hans Flick.
Spanish outlet AS reports a sharp, troubling drop in his minutes, noting that he has logged 1,092 league minutes so far this term, roughly a third of the 3,000‑minute ceiling many midfielders aim for across a full season, and far below the roughly 2,000 minutes he recorded by the same point last year.
Although Flick publicly expressed a desire to keep him and even entrusted him with a larger role in January, Casado has not been able to secure the stability and trust that defined a large portion of the previous campaign, despite occasional flashes of potential.
Midfield Competition and the Road Ahead
Casado still prioritizes remaining at Barcelona, but the reality is a crowded middle of the pitch, where De Jong and Pedri are non‑negotiables in the starting lineup, while a returning Gavi, plus Bernal's steady improvement, and newcomers like Tomi Márquez are all vying for minutes. Eric García's occasional capacity to play in midfield further complicates the picture.
The report adds that if Casado decides to depart after weighing all factors, Saudi Arabia is a serious option on the table, with the league's financial clout and the appeal of a fresh challenge providing strong incentives.
Saudi Move on the Horizon
At 22 years old and already attracting attention from markets across Europe, including the Premier League, the midfielder could be tempted by a go-and-return journey that mirrors the paths taken by players who left Barca for abroad experiences and subsequently found a foothold back home or elsewhere.
The Saudi Pro League's economic power remains a key lure for players seeking a new horizon, a reality that could shift conversations at Barcelona if Casado asks for minutes or a clear plan for 2026‑27.
As Barça debates its midfield architecture, Casado's decision will influence not only his own career trajectory but also the club's short‑term strategy, potentially accelerating or delaying a rebuild depending on the willingness to risk trust on younger homegrown talents.
Humor corner: If Casado sticks around, we’ll finally see him earn a consistent run and perhaps master the art of appearing on the bench with the enthusiasm of a kid opening a new video game. If he leaves for Saudi, expect a midfield drama so spicy the desert will need sunscreen.
Punchline bonus: either way, the transfer window promises more twists than a spiral-bound notebook—thankfully, there won’t be a single page without a spark of drama.