FC Barcelona is reportedly unhappy with agent Jorge Mendes after midfielder Marc Casado's last-minute loan transfer to Deportivo La Coruña. The situation has unfolded amidst a backdrop of deteriorating relations between the player, the club, and Mendes, with both sides expressing frustration over how the exit was managed.
At just 22 years old, Casado had been informed that his playing opportunities under new coach Hansi Flick would be severely limited. This led to the expectation that he would leave the club permanently. However, as the summer transfer window approached its conclusion, no suitable buyers emerged, forcing Barcelona to consider alternative arrangements.
Ultimately, Casado joined Deportivo on loan, with the agreement including a buy option set at €30 million. This was a significant reduction from Barcelona's earlier asking price of around €25 million, reflecting a notable drop from the €30 million to €40 million valuation placed on him the previous summer.
The loan arrangement has left both Barcelona and Casado dissatisfied. The club is still responsible for a substantial portion of the player's wages, which complicates their financial strategy. This outcome was far from what Barcelona had envisioned, as they had hoped to secure a permanent transfer that would alleviate their wage bill and provide a financial return on the player.
Casado's situation had become increasingly precarious by the end of the last season. With his playing time drastically reduced in the 2025/26 season, he was only able to accumulate about half the minutes he had played in the previous campaign, starting in significantly fewer matches. The arrival of Rodri further complicated matters, as the new midfielder was expected to take on a prominent role, leaving little room for Casado to assert himself.
Discussions between Barcelona and Mendes had taken place towards the end of the prior season, where both parties agreed that a transfer was necessary. Barcelona's sporting department felt that the previous summer would have been the ideal time to sell Casado when his market value was at its peak. However, at that time, Flick had not clearly communicated the limited role Casado would have moving forward.
The failure to secure a permanent transfer left Barcelona frustrated as the transfer deadline loomed. There was a growing sentiment within the club that Mendes was not effectively managing the situation, with some officials feeling that they were being strung along. As the deadline approached, Deportivo emerged as the only viable option for Casado, who had also turned down offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
In the end, the loan to Deportivo was a last-minute solution rather than the preferred outcome for Barcelona, who had aimed for a more favorable financial arrangement. With the club covering half of Casado's salary, the deal falls short of their initial objectives, highlighting the complexities of player management in modern football.
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