FC Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado has attracted interest from numerous clubs over the past few weeks.
Clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey have been among those to show interest, although neither option is a priority for the La Masia graduate, whose preference has always been to continue his career in Europe.
Against this backdrop, Casado has received proposals and enquiries from England , Italy and Germany .
However, according to SPORT , of all the options currently available to him, Bayer Leverkusen is understood to appeal the most to Casado.
The main reason for Casado leaning towards a move to the BayArena happens to be Leverkusen manager Carles Martinez.
The Catalan coach became Leverkusen's manager this summer after his spell at Toulouse . Before moving into professional football, he spent four years working at La Masia , and his relationship with Casado goes back much further.
Carles Martinez coached Casado at La Masia. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Martinez was the first coach Casado had in Barcelona 's youth system. Their relationship has continued ever since and has even extended to their families.
For Casado, the prospect of reuniting with his first coach at a new stage of his career is one of the strongest arguments in favour of the German club.
The Leverkusen project would also allow him to play in the Bundesliga under a coach who knows his qualities and development first-hand.
Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, are waiting to see what happens in their own midfield. One of the players influencing the situation is Robert Andrich .
The German midfielder, who was captain until this summer and is under contract until 2028, lost the armband following Martinez's arrival.
Casado open to Leverkusen move. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Andrich's situation has opened the door to a possible departure. The player had previously indicated that he would not seek an exit as long as he continued to feel important in the team, but it has been made clear to him that regular playing time could be difficult to find.
If Andrich leaves, it would make room for Casado's arrival. The Barcelona midfielder is therefore one of the options being considered to strengthen a position that could become vacant at Leverkusen.
As mentioned previously, neither Saudi Arabia nor Turkey is a priority for Casado. There have been some late rumours of Real Betis showing interest, but they were dismissed as quickly .
As such, Bayer Leverkusen currently offers the combination that appeals to him most: Bundesliga football, a competitive project and, above all, the chance to work again with Carles Martinez.
