Barcelona has finished putting together its squad with a final surprising move. German coach Hansi Flick had been requesting a final addition for weeks before closing the squad for good. Now, everything suggests that request has been heard and the debut will take place this Saturday against Levante.
There is an air of expectation in the blaugrana locker room with this new piece joining the project. Barça already started the season with a solid victory against Mallorca, winning 3-0 away from home. However, Flick believes there is still room for improvement and that he needs additional resources to face the demanding campaign.
The sporting management has worked quietly over the past few weeks to finalize this operation. This isn't a high-profile move in the offices, but rather a very strategic bet. The German coach insisted on having players capable of offering alternatives in various match scenarios.
Barça starts with a win | @FCBarcelona
The debut against Levante
This Saturday's match at 9:30 p.m. will be a special test. Flick plans to give minutes to the newly incorporated player, aware that the fans are eager to see him wearing the blaugrana jersey as soon as possible. The intention is for him to play a leading role from the start, in a clash that will serve to gauge his condition.
Barça faces the match with high morale after earning three points in the opening round. However, Flick has repeated in press conferences that they shouldn't be overconfident against a Levante that competes well. That's why he believes the arrival of this latest addition can provide a competitive boost in midfield.
The coaching staff have worked hard over the past few days to speed up his adaptation to the group dynamic. The footballer has already completed several training sessions with his teammates and has left a good impression. His integration seems to be happening quickly, something the technical staff especially values given the packed match schedule.
Hansi Flick | @FCBarcelona
A signing full of symbolism
This move isn't understood solely from a sporting perspective, but also from an emotional one. The culé fans had been waiting for news of this kind after a summer of complicated operations in the offices. With the registration of several footballers still pending, the addition of this player is a gesture of trust toward Flick.
The club's directors believe this addition can reinforce the message that Barça trusts its young talent. In a context where the economy limits major signings, betting on homegrown players takes on enormous value. The stands also appreciate giving prominence to those who have suffered and fought to return.
The German coach, meanwhile, has shown great excitement about the idea of bringing him back. Flick trusts his entry into the team will help bring more balance to the midfield. In addition, he sees in him a footballer for the future with the qualities to become a key figure in the medium term.
Marc Bernal with Marc Casadó | @FCBarcelona
The key is that this signing hasn't come from another club or a multi-million transfer. He is a homegrown player who was already part of the blaugrana dynamic before his setback. But his serious cruciate ligament injury kept him off the field for the entire previous season.
After months of recovery, individual work, and a process of gradual reintegration, the player is now fully available. The club now presents him as the "big signing" of the summer, because it means recovering its own talent at the highest level. The chosen one is none other than Marc Bernal, who is finally ready to wear the Barça jersey again.
Bernal's return represents much more than a simple physical recovery. It is confirmation that Barça continues to bet on the young talents of La Masia at key moments. This Saturday, against Levante, Flick plans to give him the perfect stage to show that he is back.
