West Ham United transfer target Marc Casado is back on the market after struggling for playing time at Barcelona, according to Cadena Ser.
The Hammers could still use Casado’s steely presence in the centre of the park, and this summer may present the perfect opportunity to pounce.
Per the report, Casado is seriously considering his future at the Catalan club because he wants more consistent playing time. He has started just 14 of their 47 games this season.
The return of Marc Bernal has pushed him out of the starting line-up, and he is further down the pecking order after Hansi Flick ignored him for Eric Garcia in midfield over the weekend.
Casado delivered some terrific performances last season but has not carried that form into the 2025/26 campaign.
He will be looking for a new stomping ground to prove himself, and West Ham, a club that eyed him over the summer, could be the ideal destination.
While other Barcelona midfielders are appreciated for their technical brilliance, Casado excels more in the physical side of the game.
He is adept at breaking up the opposition attacks with fierce challenges and meaty sliding tackles.
The ‘fantastic’ midfield anchor shields the backline well, and even though it is not his speciality, he moves the ball well.
West Ham could use that brilliant combination in the middle of the park, beside Mateus Fernandes.
Soungoutou Magassa has not made the defensive midfield position his own, and West Ham can seize this opportunity to plug the gap.
Casado is physically ready for the Premier League and could prove a changer for West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo in moving the ball.
If the opportunity presents itself, West Ham should be at the front of the queue for his signature, although the Hammers are likely to face competition from bigger clubs.
Still, West Ham should be doing everything to get him down to the London Stadium.