Marc Bernal has returned to training normally after several months sidelined due to a serious injury. The FC Barcelona midfielder made a great impression at the start of last season. Now, at just 18 years old, he's back on the radar of major European clubs.
His emergence as a starter at just 17 years old was one of the most pleasant surprises of the previous season. His fluid soccer, personality, and tactical maturity caught attention both inside and outside the club. That's why his return to group dynamics has sparked excitement and also offers.
Marc Bernal is considered by many as one of the club's great assets for the future. From the sporting management, they count on him as a key piece in the medium term. Hansi Flick has personally endorsed his gradual integration into the first team.
A return that hasn't gone unnoticed
The coaching staff is convinced that Bernal can become the natural heir in the engine room. Although he still needs to get up to competitive speed, Barça wants to strongly back him. So much so that the club has started working on a contract improvement.
The idea is clear: secure him and close the door to possible outside temptations during the summer transfer window. The experience with other young players developed at La Masia has served as a lesson to avoid mistakes. With Bernal, they don't want to take any unnecessary risks.
But what nobody expected was the emergence of several teams with very convincing proposals. In a matter of days, the player's camp has received formal calls. Although there are no open negotiations, the proposals are already on the table.
Barça stands firm: not for sale
The club's response has been swift and forceful: Marc Bernal is not for sale under any circumstances. Despite the interest and tempting figures, the player will remain at Barça. The goal is to integrate him gradually, but definitively, into the first team's dynamics.
The model is similar to the one they followed with Gavi after his injury: trust and minutes without rushing. Flick wants Bernal to grow close to the group, take on responsibility, and gain prominence when he's ready. The club also sees him as a symbolic figure of the new project.
The reports handled by the coaching staff support his physical, mental, and tactical potential. His profile fits perfectly with the play style they want to implement in this new stage. That's why neither the offers nor the promises of prominence outside Camp Nou will change the plan.
Two proposals that surprise everyone
Despite Barça's refusal, there are two clubs that aren't giving up and keep pushing hard. One of them belongs to one of the major European leagues, with a renowned coach who strongly backs him. The other is geographically closer, but also has an ambitious project with guaranteed minutes.
Both clubs have contacted Bernal's camp and have expressed their desire to sign him now. The first is Roma, which sees him as a key piece for its new midfield. The second is Betis, which considers him ideal to cover a significant loss this summer.
However, there are no doubts at Barça: Marc Bernal is untouchable. His future is at Camp Nou. The entire club will do everything to make sure that's the case.