Barcelona academy starlet Tommy Marques has been informed he will be promoted to the first team next season, with Marc Casado’s expected departure to Saudi Arabia clearing the path for the teenager.
The 18 year old midfielder has already won over Hansi Flick this season, earning a senior debut in the win over Mallorca and regularly featuring in matchday squads. When Frenkie de Jong was recently injured, the German coach saw Marques as capable of filling that void, a clear sign of the trust he has in the youngster.
Now, as confirmed exclusively to Barça Universal by Miquel Blazquez, the club have told Marques his promotion is happening.
Flick wants him in the senior setup. And with Casado’s future looking increasingly uncertain, the timing could not be better.
Casado out, Marques in
Marc Casado has struggled for minutes this season. The emergence of Marc Bernal has pushed him further down the pecking order, and a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia is understood to be on the table.
The club are not expected to stand in his way. If Casado leaves and all signs point that way, Marques is the man tasked with stepping into that rotational role.
It is a rapid rise for a player who was, not so long ago, just another name on the La Masia production line. But Flick sees something special in him. The German has never been one to hand out promotions lightly.
What Marques wants
From the player’s perspective, it is all about playing time.
Marques is excited at the prospect of joining the first team, make no mistake about that but he is also keeping his eyes wide open. He will decide his long term future based on minutes, not promises.
If he is not seeing regular game time by January 2027, sources suggest he could look for an exit.
That is the modern football reality, even for academy kids who bleed Blaugrana. Loyalty only goes so far when careers are short and opportunities are scarce.
For now, though, Marques is focused on making the most of what is in front of him. A golden opportunity, as one club insider put it.
What comes next
Casado’s departure has not been officially confirmed, but the noise is getting louder. Saudi clubs are circling with chequebooks open, and Barca are unlikely to block a move that would free up wages and squad space.
Marques, meanwhile, will spend the rest of this season continuing to train with the first team and waiting for his moment. When pre season rolls around, he will be expected to stake a genuine claim.
Flick believes in him. The club believe in him. Now all Marques has to do is prove them right.
