Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa have been sent a clear message by a reported transfer target.
Wolves and Villa have recently been linked with a possible move for Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, and there’s now been a significant update.
Both the Old Gold and the Villans are eager to bolster their midfield options before the end of the transfer window. Wolves have Joao Gomes and Andre as a deep-lying duo but Vitor Pereira wants another defensive-minded option. Unai Emery, meanwhile, is eager to add another player who can play in the double pivot.
Casado, a new senior Spain international, has attracted transfer interest from far and wide this summer. MARCA reported last week that Wolves were racing West Ham United to Casado’s signature, whereas El Pais claimed - as relayed by Sport Witness - that Villa had submitted an official offer for the Barca star.
Marc Casado sends cut-throat transfer message
Despite intense speculation over a move away, Casado has made it abundantly clear that he wants to stay at Barcelona this summer. Fabrizio Romano reported over the weekend that Casado wants to remain at the Camp Nou, snubbing interest from the Premier League.
It’s not just a one-way street, either, as Barcelona are keen on keeping Casado. Head coach Hansi Flick has reiterated the midfielder’s importance and doesn’t want to lose him. “I spoke with Marc Casado, I don't see him wanting to leave the team, nor do I think I want that either,” Flick said.
The decision to include Casado in the Barcelona starting lineup to face Levante on Saturday, when the rumours were in full swing, will have acted as a clear hands-off message to any potential suitors. Approaches may yet be made before the end of the window, but it seems Barcelona will be rebuffing them.
Who is Marc Casado and is he worth the hype?
Casado has emerged as a top talent in Spain. Last season was the midfielder’s breakout year as he made 23 appearances in La Liga and played 10 times in the UEFA Champions League, racking up 2,248 minutes across those competitions.
Compared to other defensive midfielders in La Liga last term, Casado was among the elite for several statistics when averaged out on a per 90 minutes basis. Casado was in the top 20 per cent for assists (0.17), successful passes (67.83), passing accuracy (89.9%), touches (88.77) and fouls won (2). That’s not bad for a player who had hardly played at a senior level before.
Translating such success to the more physical Premier League could be tricky, especially as Casado only stands at 5ft 7in, but there’s no doubting he has the technical ability and potential. He’s already proven himself on the international stage, too, as he recently won his first two senior caps for Spain.
It would be equally as tricky to start immediately for Villa or Wolves despite the two club’s contrasting expectations in the Premier League, you would think. As mentioned, the Gomes and Andre partnership is strong at Molineux, whereas Villa typically partner Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans at the base of midfield.
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