Barcelona front-office executives and agent Jorge Mendes held high-stakes meetings in Barcelona to determine the immediate futures of La Masia products Marc Casadó and Alejandro Balde ahead of the summer transfer window deadline, according to reports from Spanish outlets Mundo Deportivo and SPORT.
The intensive round of talks follows a busy stretch of business at the Camp Nou offices. Mendes traveled to Barcelona to finalize paperwork regarding João Cancelo, signing his contract through 2029 and presenting him officially, before sitting down with sporting director Deco for an hour-long summit to map out necessary squad departures, as reported by Goal.com.
Marc Casadó Weighs European Suitors Against Saudi Interest
The most pressing item on the agenda involves 22-year-old midfielder Marc Casadó, whose status under manager Hansi Flick has shifted significantly. According to reporting by SPORT, Mendes and Casadó met for roughly two hours at the Hotel Meliá Torre Melina to evaluate the player’s options as he slips out of the first-team rotation.
Despite lucrative offers from Saudi Professional League clubs Al Hilal and Al Ahli—which could have netted Barcelona a significant fee—Goal.com notes that the midfielder’s family advised him to reject a move to the Middle East in favor of remaining in European football.
Instead, Casadó is weighing interest from AC Milan, Nottingham Forest, and Benfica. While Barcelona previously collected funds for the sale of Tomás Marqués to Sporting Braga, club directors maintain that they will not accept less than a substantial fee for Casadó. His departure would generate vital financial fair play margin for Barcelona to complete late-window squad adjustments.
Alejandro Balde Assesses Manchester United Interest Amid Cancelo Return
While Casadó searches for regular minutes elsewhere, 22-year-old left-back Alejandro Balde faces a more complicated competitive landscape. SPORT and Goal.com report that Flick retains certain doubts regarding Balde’s current form, especially given the return of Cancelo, who finished the previous campaign operating ahead of him in the defensive hierarchy.
Balde joined Barcelona at age eight and remains tied to the club through 2028. While his absolute priority is staying at the Camp Nou—where he feels entirely comfortable—he recognizes the absolute necessity of consistent playing time at this stage of his career. During their meeting at the team hotel, Mendes presented Balde with concrete interest from several major European sides, led most notably by Manchester United.
Balde is not actively seeking an exit, but the combination of tactical uncertainty and external offers forces both player and representative to carefully analyze their next steps before the transfer window slams shut.
A Busy Week for Mendes and La Masia Prospects
Jorge Mendes’s presence in Catalonia has extended beyond his meetings with Casadó and Balde. SPORT observed that the prominent Portuguese agent also crossed paths with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal at the same hotel, underscoring an exceptionally packed agenda as Barcelona’s management attempts to streamline the roster before the final deadline.
With Deco pushing to trim the wage bill and balance the club’s ledgers, the upcoming hours will dictate whether Barcelona parts ways with two homegrown talents or successfully integrates them back into Flick’s long-term tactical blueprint.
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