Barcelona Prepares to Promote La Masia Talent Tommy Marquez as Marc Casado Nears Summer Exit

FC Barcelona will promote youth star Tommy Marquez to the first team if Marc Casado leaves this summer, avoiding a new midfield signing.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 6:30 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Internal Succession Favored Over External Recruitment

FC Barcelona has established a clear strategy regarding its midfield depth as the summer transfer window approaches. Amidst reports that 22-year-old midfielder Marc Casado may seek a departure from the Nou Camp, the club has signaled that it will not enter the market for a direct replacement. According to reports from Sport on April 30, 2026, the board of directors and the technical staff have reached a consensus that any vacancy created by Casado’s exit should be filled by a graduate of the club's famed La Masia academy. This decision reflects a broader institutional goal to prioritize fiscal responsibility and maintain the pathway for emerging homegrown players into the senior squad.

Marc Casado Faces Uncertain Future Under Hansi Flick

The potential departure of Marc Casado follows a season where the midfielder has gradually seen his influence in the first-team rotation diminish. Despite participating in 31 matches across all competitions this season, Casado has struggled to cement a place in coach Hansi Flick’s long-term tactical blueprints. While his contract currently runs until June 2028, the player has reportedly been excluded from recent high-priority matchday plans, leading to speculation that both the club and the player are open to a permanent transfer. Casado, who has contributed one assist during the 2025/26 campaign, is viewed as a valuable asset that could generate a significant capital gain for the club.

The Rise of Tommy Marquez in the Barcelona Hierarchy

In the event of Casado’s exit, the primary beneficiary is expected to be Tommy Marquez. The teenage prospect has been identified by Flick and his coaching staff as the next talent ready for a permanent promotion to the first-team environment. Marquez has impressed throughout the season in the youth ranks, demonstrating the technical proficiency and positional intelligence required to operate in Barcelona’s complex midfield system. By earmarking Marquez as the successor to Casado, the club aims to provide a seamless transition that adheres to the "DNA" of the team while avoiding the high costs associated with domestic or international transfers.