The past few months have been tough for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, who has struggled to secure regular playing time this season. The La Masia graduate, who broke through into the first team last season, currently finds himself down the pecking order under Hansi Flick.

Players such as Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo, Eric Garcia and even Marc Bernal have been preferred ahead of Casado, which prompted January transfer speculation linking him with moves to clubs like Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray.

Nothing materialised: Flick shut down the possibility of an exit in January and kept Casado at the club. Reports indicate the young midfielder understands that the coach plans to use him, either as a starter or as a substitute in the latter stages of games.

Casado did not feature for a single minute in Barcelona’s first three fixtures of 2026 against Espanyol, Athletic and Real Madrid — the latter two in the Spanish Super Cup. He played in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 tie against Racing Santander, then spent time on the bench in matches versus Real Sociedad and Slavia Prague.

That spell on the sidelines during the middle of the winter transfer window fuelled exit rumours, but on 25 January Casado was given a significant opportunity in the league game against Real Oviedo. He was handed a full 90 minutes and his display pleased Flick.

Since that appearance he has featured in every match to varying degrees: 12 minutes against FC Copenhagen, 6 minutes vs Elche, 25 minutes vs Albacete and a full 90 minutes against RCD Mallorca. His selection ahead of the transfer deadline was widely viewed as a move to secure his future at the club, and it became clear that the coach’s faith in him was genuine rather than symbolic.

In the post-match press conference Flick was firm that Casado would not be allowed to leave, stressing that the club does not see departing players as an option and that they need everyone available. He also commended Casado’s professionalism and said the youngster had earned the right to start, reinforcing the manager’s trust.

Casado did not bow his head during the difficult spell and had no intention of leaving Barcelona. His patience has been appreciated by Flick, who continues to place full trust in the young midfielder. With the season still long and all three competitions ongoing, Casado knows more chances will come for him to play an important role.

Published: 09/02/2026. By: Michel Duran.