Barcelona Set Steep Price as Chelsea Chase Rising Midfield Star

Chelsea have reportedly been informed of the hefty fee they will need to pay if they hope to sign rising midfield talent Marc Casado from Barcelona this summer. The Catalan giants have slapped a significant price tag on the 20-year-old, who is seen as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from La Masia in recent years. With the Blues continuing their aggressive recruitment of young talent under Todd Boehly’s ownership, they had identified Casado as a potential addition to bolster their midfield depth for the future. However, Barcelona have made it clear that any deal for the youngster will not come cheap.

Casado, who captained Barça Atlètic this past season, has steadily risen through the ranks of the club’s academy and is now on the fringes of the first team. Known for his intelligence, composure on the ball, and ability to break up play, he has drawn comparisons to the likes of Sergio Busquets — a player Barcelona have long struggled to truly replace. With Xavi having previously shown faith in him during training sessions and early Copa del Rey appearances, the club still views Casado as an important asset for the future, especially under new manager Hansi Flick, who is expected to bring a fresh perspective on youth development.

According to reports out of Spain, Barcelona have set an asking price of around €20 million to €25 million for Casado, a figure that reflects both the player’s potential and the club’s reluctance to let him go easily. Given their financial situation, Barcelona are not outright rejecting offers for academy players, but they are determined to ensure they receive top value for any departures. They are also reportedly considering inserting a buy-back clause or first-refusal option in the event of a sale, which further indicates how highly they rate Casado.

Chelsea’s interest in Casado comes as part of a wider strategy that has seen the Premier League side invest heavily in young players across Europe. Following signings like Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia, Casado could represent another long-term piece in Chelsea’s midfield puzzle, providing cover and development potential alongside their current stars. The club is known to be targeting players who can contribute both now and in the future, and Casado’s profile fits the bill perfectly — a technically sound defensive midfielder with room to grow in the physically demanding English game.

However, securing Casado’s signature will be no easy task. The player is said to be open to first-team football opportunities but also deeply values his development at Barcelona, where he has spent the majority of his formative years. Unless Chelsea can guarantee minutes or offer a clear development plan that benefits his career progression, convincing him to leave his boyhood club might prove difficult. That said, with Barcelona juggling financial constraints and the need to trim their wage bill, a big-money offer from Chelsea could change the equation.

Ultimately, this situation could come down to how much Chelsea are willing to invest in yet another young talent, and whether Casado sees a clear path to regular first-team football at Stamford Bridge. Barcelona are in no rush to sell, but they are pragmatic in the current market climate. If Chelsea meet their valuation and provide the right assurances, the deal could move quickly. But for now, the ball is in the Blues’ court — and they’ll have to dig deep if they want to pry one of La Masia’s finest away from the

Camp Nou.