After months of speculations and offers, Marc Casado left FC Barcelona on the summer transfer deadline day to join newly-promoted La Liga club Deportivo De A Coruna.
The 22-year-old La Masia graduate was informed that he was not a part of Hansi Flick's plans at the start of the pre-season.
However, he hoped to remain at the club and firmly rejected offers from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. In the end, the defensive midfielder accepted a move to A Coruna on loan for the season.
Deportivo have also secured a €30 million purchase option as part of the agreement.
And, it appears that Casado has quickly settled into his new surroundings after completing his loan move, with the midfielder particularly impressed by the club's training facilities.
Deportivo recently published footage showing the midfielder and Jose Maria Gimenez being given a tour of the club's facilities alongside sporting director Fernando Soriano .
The midfielder appeared particularly impressed when he saw the dressing room. His reaction was immediate, as he said (h/t SPORT ):
"This is better than Barça and everything."
Soriano, clearly surprised by the comment, asked him: "Really?"
Casado did not hesitate, as he replied: "Honestly."
As mentioned earlier, Casado had several offers during the transfer window, including proposals from England , Turkey and Saudi Arabia, while RB Leipzig also showed interest.
That option was eventually ruled out, however, and the Barcelona midfielder settled on Deportivo as his destination.
Casado has signed for Deportivo De A Coruna. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Before leaving Barcelona for Galicia, the La Masia graduate briefly spoke to reporters at El Prat Airport and admitted that he was excited about the move.
"It's a very good project. I'm really looking forward to getting started."
There was nevertheless some disappointment at having to leave Barcelona, the club where he had spent his career, even if only temporarily.
"Leaving Barça is always difficult,"he admitted.
Casadó had already struggled for regular playing time during the previous season, making the move particularly important for his development.
He also insisted that there were no hard feelings towards Barcelona.
"I'm not leaving angry. I've spoken with the club and we all have things to improve."
