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Better than Kimmich and Zubimendi: official, Barça secures the best signing of the decade

Barça is clear about who its new midfielder for this season will be and who they are going to strongly bet on

Hansi Flick's FC Barcelona is starting to take shape, and one of the names that has surprised the most during preseason is midfielder Marc Bernal. The young player, who missed almost the entire last campaign due to injury, has returned to training with strength. The footballer has left a very good impression in the first days of work.

His physical level, tactical maturity, and ability to distribute the ball have convinced the German coach. The club's sporting management had seriously considered going to the market to reinforce the pivot position.  Among the names that were strongly considered are Thomas Partey, who is now a free agent after his contract with Arsenal ended, and Martín Zubimendi.

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Flick chooses his central midfielder | @FCBarcelona

However, the club's financial situation and Bernal's excellent performance have changed the plans. Hansi Flick believes the squad already has interesting profiles in the engine room. Dutchman Frenkie de Jong remains a key footballer, despite doubts about his continuity, and Marc Casadó, a homegrown player who has been gaining prominence in recent months, also stands out.

Bernal is the signing

With Bernal's return, the German coach believes that balance in midfield can be more than guaranteed. The decision to bet on Marc Bernal also responds to a clear strategy: trusting the youth academy. The 17-year-old footballer had already excelled in lower categories and was destined to have an important role in the first team.

His injury slowed his progression, but now, fully recovered, he returns eager to show that he is ready to compete at the highest level. The coaching staff especially value his ability to play as the only pivot or alongside another midfielder. Bernal is intelligent in pressing, has good long passing, and a personality that is unusual for his age.

Green light for his return

Flick wants to gradually give him minutes, but doesn't rule out that he could be an important piece even in top-level matches. In addition, the zero cost of his inclusion in the squad greatly facilitates the club's financial sustainability plans. In an inflated market, having a homegrown gem like Marc Bernal represents relief for the economic area and a sporting opportunity of great value.

Barça needs to recover its identity, which also means looking to La Masia. For now, his name is already among the most outstanding at the start of preseason. Hansi Flick has given the green light for him to have a first-team spot if he keeps this level. Although competition will be high, especially with Casadó and De Jong, the coach is convinced that Bernal can contribute a lot right away.