Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has publicly backed Marc Casado amid ongoing speculation linking the young midfielder with a move to Chelsea.
Casado was a key figure in Barcelona’s midfield earlier this season, earning his first Spain call-up after standout performances against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
However, a costly mistake in Barcelona’s 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in December saw his playing time drastically reduced. Since the team’s Spanish Super Cup victory over Madrid, the 21-year-old has completed a full 90 minutes just once and hasn’t started in any of the club’s last five La Liga matches.
Reports from Spain suggest Chelsea have approached Casado with the promise of regular playing time, but the midfielder remains committed to Barcelona for now. Flick has also reiterated that Casado is still in his plans.
“No, he has not done anything wrong. I am speaking with him,” Flick told reporters. “At the moment, Frenkie [de Jong] is performing well, especially in possession and key moments, which is what we need. But Casado is also doing well.”
Flick dismissed any notion that Casado’s reduced minutes reflected a lack of confidence in him. “It’s not about one player replacing another; we are a team,” he added. “When players get their chance, they must perform.”
Casado remains highly rated at Barcelona and has a release clause of €100 million (£83m) in his contract, which runs until 2028. Chelsea, along with several other Premier League clubs, are reportedly keeping close tabs on his situation.
Earlier this season, Casado praised Flick’s influence on his development. “The coach has helped me a lot, giving me confidence and making things clear so I can improve,” he said. “I feel comfortable, and I hope this continues.”
With Chelsea circling, Barcelona’s handling of Casado’s future could be a key storyline in the months ahead.