Barcelona homegrown star left in limbo as Cancelo signing closes another route for game-time

FC Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado refused to leave the club in the summer despite having several offers and being aware that minutes would not be easy to come by this season.

Casado enjoyed a strong breakthrough last season, establishing himself in the starting line-up during the first half. But he lost prominence once Frenkie de Jong recovered and returned to full fitness in the latter stages.

Since then, the homegrown star has hardly played regularly in midfield. A recent appearance in the right-back position seemed to have offered him a glimmer of hope to gain prominence again.

Joao Cancelo’s imminent signing closes the door for Casado

However, as reported by SPORT, with Joao Cancelo set to join Barcelona imminently, the door will be closed on Casado’s hopes of playing in the right-back role in the second half of the season.

At this stage of the season, Casado knows that he is no longer part of the starting XI. More concerning is the fact that he appears to have become the last option in the pecking order in midfield.

Lost in the shuffle. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Flick’s and the club’s major bet, as was the case last year, is Marc Bernal, who, after recovering from injury, has been regaining rhythm and is emerging as the clear successor to Frenkie de Jong.

In recent matches, Flick has even preferred to use the versatile Eric Garcia as a pivot, despite him not being a specialist in that role. Gavi’s return could further complicate the situation.

Flick values Casado for his attitude and commitment and gave him the chance to play at right-back in the Copa del Rey match against CD Guadalajara, a position which neither the player nor the coach views as a long-term solution.

Now, Barcelona are set to sign Cancelo, who will undergo his medicals tomorrow, on loan until the end of the season. His arrival closes the pathway for Casado to operate at right-back as well.

As such, the La Masia graduate finds himself in a difficult situation and will need to prove that he can be useful off the bench and fight for minutes.