Barcelona's secret meetings: Mendes pushes to settle the fate of two La Masia gems
Outside Flick's plans
Barcelona's front office has been a scene of rapid, unannounced activity in recent hours, and the star of the show is famous agent Jorge Mendes. He has moved from presenting a major signing to a far trickier task: shaping the future of two La Masia products who have fallen outside coach Hansi Flick's plans.
Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" revealed that the Portuguese agent used his time in Barcelona to hold separate, decisive meetings on Friday afternoon with Marc Casadó and Alejandro Baldé, both of whom he represents. The aim: to settle their future before the transfer market closes.
Mendes had travelled to Barcelona to complete João Cancelo's signing, sign his contract until 2029 and present him officially. He then spent a full hour with sporting director Deco in the afternoon before launching straight into his own round of talks with the other players.
Alejandro Baldé's situation, at 22, looks the most complicated. Cancelo returns as the first-choice right-back who ended last season topping the coach's rankings, and that leaves the academy graduate's playing time uncertain.
Baldé joined Barcelona aged eight, and he always insists staying at the Camp Nou is his absolute priority. Even so, he knows regular football is what matters most at this stage of his career.
Mendes has put serious interest from several major European clubs on the table, headed by Manchester United. The decision now rests with the player, who is contracted until 2028.
The hottest file, though, is Marc Casadó's. The 22-year-old has fallen completely outside Flick's plans this season. He arrived at Barcelona aged thirteen from Dam club, is contracted until 2028, and has settled his position by refusing a move to the Saudi league. Tempting offers came in from both Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, but on his family's advice he chose to stay in Europe.
Milan, Nottingham Forest and Benfica are all chasing Casadó. Barcelona know they won't land the 40 million euros the Saudis could have paid. Yet after selling Tommy Marqués to Sporting Braga for 11 million euros plus one million in variables, the club's management will not accept less than 30 million euros for a player who has made 75 first-team appearances and played a full international match.
