La Liga club table formal offer to sign 19-year-old Barcelona academy ace – report

With less than six hours left for the summer transfer window to slam shut, Barcelona could be primed for more departures.

Ansu Fati and Clement Lenglet have already departed on loan deals while Eric Garcia and Ez Abde are believed to be on their way out.

Now, the Blaugrana have been approached by a La Liga rival for the services of one of their most gifted academy graduates.

Granada keen to sign Marc Casado

Indeed, as per Marcos Benito on El Chiringuito TV, Granada have sent a formal offer to Barcelona for the services of academy ace Marc Casado.

The 19-year-old defensive midfielder, who can operate as a right-back as well, is a product of Barça’s famed La Masia youth academy and has enjoyed a steady progression through the ranks.

The teenager is currently the captain of the Barça Atletic squad, but has been a regular fixture in the first-team setup under Xavi Hernandez.

Indeed, Casado has been on the bench for each of Barcelona’s first three La Liga matches, although he is yet to add to his solitary senior appearance, which came in the UEFA Champions League last season against Viktoria Plzen.

A talented player, the teenage midfielder has now emerged as a target for Granada.

Granada hoping for a loan deal with buy option

As per the report from Marcos Benito, Granada are keen on signing Casado on an initial loan deal with an option for a permanent purchase next summer.

The 19-year-old’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2024 with the Catalans retaining the option to extend it by another year.

Having parted ways with several talented youngsters like Chadi Riad, Nico Gonzalez, and Estanis Pedrola, among others, this summer, it remains to be seen if Barcelona are prepared to sanction Casado’s departure as well.