Atleti eyeing Barça's Marc Casadó as midfield reinforcement option

Atlético Madrid have added Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó to their transfer shortlist as they look to bolster their engine room following Conor Gallagher’s return to the Premier League.

Joao Gomes remains priority target

Let’s get one thing straight - Casadó isn’t at the top of Atleti’s shopping list. That honour belongs to Wolves’ Brazilian midfielder Joao Gomes, who’s been the apple of their eye for some time now. The Rojiblancos have already initiated contact with the West Midlands outfit regarding Gomes, with super-agent Jorge Mendes playing a significant role in negotiations.

Casadó seeking more minutes

The Barcelona youngster has found himself playing second fiddle under Hansi Flick this season. Despite making 19 appearances, he’s only clocked 871 minutes in total - hardly enough for a lad with World Cup ambitions. The competition at Camp Nou is proper tasty:

• De Jong and Pedri are ahead in the pecking order
• Marc Bernal’s return to rotation further limits opportunities
• Only started 10 matches this season
• Completed the full 90 minutes just three times

It’s a bit of a mare for Casadó, who was nearly untouchable last year when Bernal was crocked. The player’s entourage has reportedly offered him up for a move to Madrid, seeing Simeone’s setup as a place where he could get more regular football.

No official club discussions yet

It’s worth noting that while Casadó’s name is on the table at the Metropolitano, there haven’t been any direct conversations between the clubs. This is merely an option being considered by Mateu Alemany’s sporting department.

The two Spanish giants have done plenty of business in recent years, with good relations existing between Miguel Ángel Gil and Alemany. If the Joao Gomes deal falls through, don’t be surprised if Atleti turn their boat race toward Barcelona to secure Casadó’s services.