Marc Casado has completed a late-summer loan move to Deportivo de A Coruña, but the midfielder has already drawn attention with his candid remarks about his new club's infrastructure. The 22-year-old, deemed surplus to requirements under Hansi Flick at Barcelona, was captured on camera making a striking comparison between the newly-promoted Galician outfit and his parent club's renowned facilities.
During a tour of Deportivo's training complex alongside fellow signing Jose Maria Gimenez and sporting director Fernando Soriano, Casado stopped abruptly upon entering the first-team dressing room. Visibly taken aback by the quality of the setup, the defensive midfielder stated: "This is better than Barca and everything." When Soriano questioned whether he was serious, Casado replied with conviction: "Yeah, seriously." The remark has already sparked considerable discussion across Catalonia regarding the state of investment at both institutions.
A Career Move with Long-Term Potential
The transfer represents far more than a temporary arrangement. Deportivo have secured a €30 million purchase option as part of the deal, signaling their intention to retain Casado as a cornerstone of their project rather than a short-term loan player. The Spanish midfielder had attracted interest from multiple European clubs throughout the summer window, including RB Leipzig, English Premier League sides, Turkish Super Lig teams, and Saudi Arabian clubs offering substantial financial packages.
Casado ultimately chose to remain in Spain, prioritizing Deportivo's ambitious vision over lucrative foreign offers. At the airport before his departure, he expressed enthusiasm for the challenge ahead: "It's a very good project. I'm really looking forward to getting started." The La Masia academy graduate carries impressive credentials despite his age, having won two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, and two Supercopas de España with Barcelona.
Context and Next Steps
The midfielder's departure highlights Barcelona's midfield reconstruction under their new manager. Casado's technical versatility and elite-level experience make him a valuable asset, yet Flick's tactical preferences led to his temporary exit from Camp Nou. Deportivo's recent promotion to the top flight adds intrigue to his loan spell, with the player potentially making his debut as early as Saturday against Villarreal. His bold assessment of the club's facilities suggests he has already embraced his new surroundings with genuine optimism.
