Man Utd want to sign £17m bargain from Barcelona with transfer decision made

Manchester United are sounding out a move to sign Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado in a cut-price summer transfer.

Casado, a graduate of the club’s famed La Masia academy, has struggled for minutes under Hansi Flick, spending much of the 2025-26 season sat behind Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Gavi in the midfield pecking order.

The 22-year-old started just 12 matches in all competitions last term as the Catalan giants clinched the Spanish title.

While his minutes were limited, Casado dismissed the possibility of a move away from the Camp Nou last season.

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However that situation appears set to change with Marca reporting he is now willing to leave the club.

The report states the midfielder’s situation is unlikely to improve next season with United among the clubs showing interest.

United’s interest dates back to January when the club made an initial enquiry. While Michael Carrick’s side have not made a formal offer, they are leading the race to sign the midfielder.

The report from Marca adds Casado is valued at around €20million (£17.3m)– making him a relative bargain in a summer transfer window where midfielders cost a premium.

Barcelona want to finalise his exit before the end of June to help balance the books but the club acknowledge that without a significant development in the coming days, that deadline is unlikely.

Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in his services with Chelsea credited with interest last year. Clubs from Saudi Arabia are also prepared to enter the fray although Casado’s preference is to join a more ambitious and competitive league.

United are rebuilding their midfield this summer following Casemiro’s exit with Manuel Ugarte another who could move on, leaving Kobbie Mainoo as their only senior central midfielder.

The club have already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta with that move expected to be made official next month.

Elliot Anderson has been a top target but the Nottingham Forest star’s preference is to join Manchester City this summer. United are in talks to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United with Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton also among their targets.