£26m Wolves and Aston Villa target sends ruthless transfer warning
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa appear to have been dealt a significant blow in their pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, after the Spanish youngster delivered a blunt update on his future.
The Premier League pair have been strongly linked with a move for the 20-year-old, who is fast emerging as one of La Liga’s most exciting midfield talents. Both Wolves and Villa are eager to reinforce their engine room before the transfer deadline, but Casado’s latest stance may force them to look elsewhere.
Wolves and Villa’s midfield plans
At Molineux, Vítor Pereira is keen to strengthen the heart of his squad. With João Gomes and André forming a reliable double pivot, the Portuguese boss still believes another defensive-minded player would bring balance and depth to his options. Wolves’ lack of depth in central areas has already been exposed this season, increasing the urgency to bring in reinforcements.
Over in Birmingham, Unai Emery also sees midfield as a priority position. The Spaniard has relied heavily on Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans at the base of his midfield, but injuries last season highlighted the need for another reliable option. Casado, versatile enough to sit deep or play slightly higher, fits the profile Villa are looking for.
Reports in Spain last week suggested Wolves were battling West Ham United for Casado’s signature, while separate claims indicated that Villa had already submitted an official bid worth around £26 million.
Casado’s cut-throat message
Despite the growing speculation, Casado has made his intentions crystal clear: he has no desire to leave Barcelona. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported over the weekend that the midfielder has decided to remain at the Camp Nou, firmly rejecting interest from the Premier League.
The stance is echoed by Barcelona themselves. Manager Hansi Flick has openly declared Casado untouchable, highlighting his importance to the project. “I spoke with Marc Casado, I don’t see him wanting to leave the team, nor do I think I want that either,” Flick explained, underlining that the midfielder remains firmly in his plans.
Flick’s faith was on full display when Casado was named in the starting XI against Levante on Saturday, right in the middle of the transfer storm. That selection was interpreted as a statement of intent from Barça – a hands-off warning to English clubs circling the youngster.
Why is Casado so highly rated?
Casado’s rapid rise has caught the attention of scouts across Europe. Last season proved to be his breakthrough campaign as he featured 23 times in La Liga and made 10 Champions League appearances, accumulating more than 2,200 minutes across both competitions.
When measured statistically against his peers, Casado’s numbers were eye-catching. Per 90 minutes, he ranked in the top 20% of defensive midfielders for assists (0.17), successful passes (67.83), pass completion rate (89.9%), touches (88.77), and fouls won (2). Those figures highlight a player not only comfortable on the ball but also effective in controlling the tempo of games.
Standing at 5ft 7in, he may lack the imposing physical presence often associated with Premier League holding midfielders. However, his technical ability, sharp positioning, and composure on the ball have already been recognised at international level, with the youngster earning his first two senior caps for Spain this summer.
Would Casado fit Wolves or Villa?
If a move were to materialise, adapting to the pace and physicality of English football would present a challenge. Both Wolves and Villa boast strong existing midfield partnerships, meaning Casado would likely have to earn his place gradually rather than walking straight into the starting lineup.
At Wolves, he would face competition from Gomes and André, while Villa’s current preference for Kamara and Tielemans leaves little room for immediate changes. Nonetheless, his age, versatility, and growing reputation make him an attractive long-term investment.
For now, though, it seems the Premier League duo – along with other admirers across Europe – will have to bide their time. Barcelona have no intention of selling, and Casado himself has sent the clearest message possible: his future remains at the Camp Nou.