West Ham United are considering a move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado before the close of the transfer window, according to Marca.
The Hammers need reinforcement in the engine room and have turned to the youngster after target Tyler Morton chose a move to Lyon.
West Ham are rummaging through the market and have set their sights on the Spain international, who is down the pecking order at Barca.
Casado emerged as a reliable defensive midfielder for Barca in the absence of Frenkie De Jong last season.
The 21-year-old made 36 appearances across all competitions, bagging a goal and six assists.
Casado is known for his tenacity off the ball and has made the sliding tackle his trademark when shielding the backline.
Barca manager Hansi Flick lauded the La Masia academy graduate, saying (via Barca Universal), “He’s incredibly good defensively and with the ball at his feet.”
However, with De Jong fit and in form, Marc Bernal returning from a long-term injury, and Barcelona still struggling financially, they might accept a proposal from West Ham.
A midfielder like Casado is one of the many profiles West Ham are missing on the roster.
Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez endured subpar 2024/25 campaigns. The Hammers could use upgrades.
Casado, despite his age, is a massive improvement on the West Ham pair, but getting a deal over the line could be a problem as he reportedly wants to stay in Barcelona.
West Ham also face competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers for his signature. The club cannot afford to hesitate here.
Casado offers the energy, bite, and tactical discipline that the Hammers’ midfield sorely lacks, and missing out could leave the club short for another campaign.
Barcelona’s financial struggles present a rare opening, and West Ham should seize it before Wolves or others swoop in.
For a club aiming to compete in Europe and climb higher in the Premier League, signing Casado would be a coup.
Stats from Transfermarkt