Marc Casadó Left Out of Barcelona’s Udine Squad as Al Hilal Move Nears

Marc Casadó has been left out of Barcelona’s squad for Saturday’s pre-season triangular in Udine, with a move to Saudi Arabia now looking imminent. The 22-year-old midfielder reported to the Ciutat Esportiva on Saturday morning but left before Hansi Flick’s squad flew to Italy, where the Blaugrana face Udinese and Nottingham Forest in the Friuli tournament.

Why Marc Casadó stayed behind

Casadó is not the only absentee. Winger Roony Bardghji also stayed behind, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the Sweden youth international is likewise close to the exit door. Both omissions fit a wider summer clear-out overseen by sporting director Deco, who is working to move on players outside Flick’s core plans. Barcelona had already rejected an Al Hilal bid for Casadó in July, holding out for a bigger fee, but talks over the academy graduate have since gathered pace.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have consistently demanded upwards of €30m for Casadó and are pushing to get close to €40m, with the outlet describing a good understanding between the player and Al Hilal. Al-Ahli have also been credited with interest by Barça Universal.

With the window open until 31 August, Casadó’s sale would free up funds and squad space as Barcelona chase reinforcements. For now, his absence from the trip to Udine speaks loudest — the clearest sign yet that a departure is edging closer.