Mendes pushing double Barcelona raid
Super-agent Jorge Mendes is in Monaco working on two deals from Barcelona. Ansu Fati's permanent move from his loan spell is being finalised, and now Marc Casadó has emerged as a second target. Mendes is pushing for the 22-year-old midfielder's arrival, though his form has dipped this season (1) (2). New manager-in-waiting Filipe Luis is reportedly on board with both moves as the club prepares for a major summer rebuild.
What this means for the midfield
Casadó's potential arrival signals intent to reshape the centre of the park. But the data is mixed, his performances have declined this season, and there are questions about whether he walks straight into the XI or arrives as a project signing (2). With the club's 7th-place finish still stinging, fans will want guarantees, not gambles.
The bigger picture
These moves are happening against a backdrop of sweeping change. Filipe Luis is set to replace the current manager, sporting director Thiago Scuro's position is under threat, and internal tension lingers around Vadim Khetagov, a Russian kinesiologist imposed on staff by owner Dmitry Rybolovlev. Mendes' increasing influence at the club is impossible to ignore.
