Casadó misses Udine trip: Al Hilal move accelerates

Marc Casadó does not travel to Udine with FC Barcelona for Saturday's triangular tournament against Udinese and Nottingham Forest. The 22-year-old midfielder remained at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper before the squad departed for Italy, according to Mundo Deportivo.

This last-minute absence fuels speculation about an imminent exit for the academy product. Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal has been negotiating his signing for weeks: after Barcelona rejected an initial offer in July, talks between both clubs have gained momentum. The Catalan side demands a fee above 30 million euros and even hopes to get close to 40 million, while direct conversations between the player and the Saudi club show "good chemistry."

Casadó lost prominence under Hansi Flick last season, accelerating his departure. Roony Bardghji, a 20-year-old Swedish winger, also stays in Barcelona after falling out of the manager's tactical plans.