Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado is wanted by Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea during the January transfer window
Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a productive summer transfer window, splashing out well over £180million across eight new additions to their squad.
Mohammed Kudus has been the pick of the bunch, transforming Spurs’ attack with his dribbling, flair, movement and directness. The Ghanaian international broke his Tottenham duck last weekend in the 2-1 win over Leeds United. Another summer signing who has made a telling impact in north London is Joao Palhinha.
Palhinha has made a huge difference in the middle of the park, adding much-needed nous, physicality and tenacity. Such has been his impact that the Lilywhites are already looking forward to trigger the buy option in the Portuguese international’s contract. However, there is clearly a need to bring in another midfielder in a bid to potentially replace Yves Bissouma in 2026.
With Bissouma falling down the pecking order and already into the final 10 months of his contract, Tottenham would do everything possible to cash him in during the January transfer window after failing to get rid of him in the summer. Moreover, Thomas Frank has already prioritised the signing of a midfielder when the transfer window reopens.
Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado is wanted by Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea during the January transfer window.
Chelsea enter transfer race for Tottenham-linked Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado
Tottenham-linked Barcelona midfielder wanted by Chelsea
Back in August, Tottenham were interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado. However, a move did not materialise in the summer and he has continued his progress at Barcelona.
Marc Casado was a regular under Hansi Flick last season, making 36 appearances across all competitions and registering seven goal contributions, before an injury in March ruled him out for the rest of the campaign. The Spaniard played a key role in Barcelona’s La Liga success, which enhanced his stock.
The 22-year-old has struggled for regular game time this campaign, starting just three La Liga games from eight. Hansi Flick has preferred the experienced Frenkie de Jong in the No.6 role ahead of Casado, thereby, putting several clubs on red alert.
Now, according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Chelsea have entered the race for the signing of Casado. Enzo Maresca sees the Barcelona man as a ‘useful’ piece for his midfield and could push Chelsea to make a winter move for the player, if he fails to establish himself in Flick’s starting XI until then.
Barcelona, struggling with finances, have set a €30-35m valuation of the 22-year-old, who is also wanted by Arsenal. Casado is under contract until June 2028 but his situation in Catalonia could change if concrete offers that fulfil Barca’s criteria are fulfilled, the report adds.
Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado is wanted by Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea during the January transfer window.
Spurs boss Thomas Frank wants to sign a midfielder in January
Blow for Tottenham?
Frank is keen to add to his midfield unit during the mid-season trading period, and Casado could be an interesting option. The Spanish international is tenacious, technical strong, good reader of the game, can distribute the ball well and provide energy to the team- qualities that would make him a great fit in Frank’s system at Tottenham.
Keeping that in mind, Chelsea expressing their interest in the Barca starlet should come as a blow for Tottenham. At 22, Casado can become a long-term asset for the Blues if they manage to sign him. They have won two trophies under Maresca and want to compete for more silverware with the midfielder’s signing. Rated at around €30-35m, Tottenham must leave no stone unturned to beat Chelsea to Casado’s signature in January.