Atletico Madrid has made its first official offer to sign young Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, in an attempt to strengthen the midfield position during the winter transfer window, according to the "Fichajes" website.

Casado is seen as an immediate option for the current January season, after the future of some other players was linked to planning for the next season, such as Ederson from Atalanta, whose transfer seems more complicated in the winter.

Atletico Madrid values Casado's ability to provide discipline, speed, and tactical capability from day one, which aligns with Diego Simeone's style of play. Additionally, he does not regularly feature in Barcelona's lineup, giving him the opportunity to gain minutes and experience at the highest level.

The Atletico Madrid deal includes a loan offer until the end of the season with a mandatory purchase option, contingent upon achieving specific goals, and the purchase option could be valued at up to 30 million euros. From Barcelona's perspective, the deal is viewed positively provided it ensures a significant financial return for the player.

The deal is expected to be finalized within days if the two parties reach an agreement on the value of the mandatory purchase option, with the emphasis that Casado represents an immediate and economical solution that enhances midfield depth in the critical stage of the season, while Ederson remains an option for the next season.

This deal represents a strategic step for Atletico Madrid, combining the fulfillment of the team's current needs with ensuring sustained strength in the midfield over the coming months.