Barcelona has already made a key decision for its midfield, Marc Bernal will stay with the first team and will be an important piece this season. The Catalan club has bet on the young talent from La Masia and has completely ruled out the addition of Thomas Partey. The deal that could have brought the Ghanaian midfielder to Camp Nou has cooled off to the point of being completely ruled out.
The blaugrana side believes that Bernal is ready to make the leap and take on the role that had been considered for the former Atlético and Arsenal player. This decision is a definitive boost for Marc Bernal; the footballer will not only remain in the squad, but he will also get plenty of minutes this year. The coach and the sporting management trust his potential and believe that he can perform at the elite level right away.
Meanwhile, Thomas has found a new destination in LaLiga; the African midfielder has signed for Villarreal, thus ruling out the possibility of joining FC Barcelona. The Yellow Submarine has finalized his arrival in a deal that strengthens its midfield with experience, physicality, and quality. The Ghanaian player, who was strongly linked with strengthening the Catalan side, has chosen a project where he will have an immediate starring role.
Thomas says no
Villarreal gains a midfielder with authority, and Barça keeps its commitment to a homegrown player who could define an era. For Thomas Partey, Barça's call wasn't enough to change course; Villarreal's sporting project and trust weighed more in his final decision. The player has signed convinced that it's the ideal place to relaunch his career and hoping that his legal situation will be solved soon.
At Camp Nou, the message is clear: Thomas Partey won't be signed and the spot will go to Marc Bernal. The homegrown player has shown character and quality in training, and now he'll have the chance to establish himself in the first team. Barça believes that, given its economic situation, it's key to prioritize internal talent over making significant outlays for veteran footballers.
Gavi and Casado, benefited
Marc Bernal thus becomesa symbol of the policy of betting on the youth academy, even though he's just recovered from his injury. He has moved ahead in the rotation over Marc Casado or Gavi, players who were initially considered more important. With this decision, FC Barcelona sends a strong message: the new generation is ready to take on responsibilities.
Marc Bernal will have the chance to prove it, while Thomas Partey begins his adventure with Villarreal. The main character in this standoff is none other than Frenkie de Jong; the Dutch midfielder still hasn't signed his contract renewal and has become the biggest headache. Despite his tactical importance and proven quality, Barça won't keep giving in to his resistance to lowering his salary; Deco has made it clear to him.