Newcastle "intercepted" the Red Devils? Sports Exclusive: 2026 midfield secret battle, Barcelona s golden boy Kasado becomes the number one prey of magpies

When Old Trafford was still waiting for Carlos Baleba's physical examination light to light up, St. James Park had quietly turned the gun - Newcastle United decided to write the word "intercept" into the 2026 script, with the goal of Barcelona 21-year-old midfielder Mark Casado.

Background board: The Red Devils' midfield reconstruction encountered obstacles

Manchester United spent 200 million pounds this summer to upgrade the front line, but left three hidden dangers of Casemiro's "old age", Ugat's "state diving" and Menu's "system discomfort". Sports learned that although INEOS has regarded Brighton's Baleba as the antidote to "January" and is preparing to break the British transfer record, Newcastle's sudden move in an instant reversed.

Magpie Abacus: 2026 summer window layout in advance

TBR Football disclosed that Eddie Howe had inquired about Casador in the summer window, treating it as "Guimares PLUS" - rotation of the same position + future core double insurance. With Barcelona's new coach Frick only giving Lamacia one play time for youth training, Newcastle director Mitchell has reopened the negotiation book and plans to start the "psychological price" in 2026.

Data Talk:

• Casador played once in La Liga this season, with a total of 45 minutes, and Germany's turnaround is worth 12 million euros;

• Newcastle's midfielder signing budget reserves 35 million pounds, which can easily meet Barcelona's "training fee" bottom line;

• Competitors: Manchester United, West Ham, Atletico Madrid, and Marseille, but the Red Devils' center of gravity has shifted towards Baleba.

Live voice

Newcastle's chief scout appeared in the Camp Nou VIP box last week and briefly communicated with the Casado team for 5 minutes after the game - Sports exclusively took a handshake screen. Sources revealed: "Hao told him that St. James needs a 'breathable passer machine', and Casar smiled too much."

Next step

If Barcelona rents out of the winter window or changes its words tomorrow summer, Newcastle is preparing to directly smash the "liquid contract fee + floating" package and promises the main position. Manchester United continued to push forward Baleba, but the sudden acceleration of the Magpie caused the British civil war to start one year ahead of schedule.

Sports will continue to track it, to see if Newcastle's successful "home stealing" or the Red Devils' "money ability" winning the finale - the 2026 midfield secret battle has just begun.