Barcelona Close to Tying Marc Bernal Down to Long-Term Deal

Barcelona are reportedly finalizing the paperwork to extend 17-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal’s contract until 2029. Despite suffering an ACL injury that will keep him sidelined for an extended period, Bernal made a strong impression in the first team after featuring in all four of Barcelona’s pre-season friendlies and starting their first three La Liga games this season under new manager Hansi Flick.

Bernal’s performances, alongside fellow La Masia graduate Marc Casado, contributed to Barca winning their opening three games. Although his injury is unfortunate, the club has decided to secure his future with a long-term deal. According to Fabrizio Romano, the documents are being prepared for Bernal to sign a five-year extension, with an official announcement expected soon.

Marc Bernal’s New Contract at Barcelona

Photo byTim BernhardonUnsplash

The new contract will reportedly include a 500 million euros (£416.5m) release clause, despite his current Transfermarkt valuation of just 1 million euros (£830,000). This high clause is typical in Spain to prevent other clubs from poaching talent.

Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy continues to produce top talent like Bernal. With the club facing financial challenges, the emergence of young players such as Bernal, Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Gavi, and Pedri has been crucial in strengthening the squad without straining the budget. Under Flick’s guidance, Barcelona currently sit four points clear at the top of La Liga, having won all seven of their opening matches.

How Well is Bernal Doing in the Barcelona Squad

The 17-year-old had a great start to the new season, breaking into Hansi Flick’s first team during pre-season and earning a starting spot in Barcelona’s first three La Liga matches. However, his momentum was halted when he suffered an ACL tear during a 2-1 win over Rayo Vallecano, sidelining him for an extended period.

Despite the injury, Barcelona remains committed to Bernal’s future at the club. According to the report, Bernal has signed a new contract, which has been finalized by the player, his parents, and the club. Since Bernal is still a minor, the deal covers the next two seasons with an option for three additional years, extending until June 2029.

Marc Bernal’s Playing Style

At just 17, he showcased his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively from the central midfield position, helping Barcelona win their opening three La Liga games in the 2024-25 season.

Bernal’s playing style is characterized by his composure on the ball, vision, and tactical awareness. He typically operates as a central or defensive midfielder, providing stability in the engine room alongside more experienced players. His versatility allows him to support both attacking movements and defensive transitions, making him a well-rounded asset in Barcelona’s midfield setup.

Despite his injury, Bernal is viewed as a long-term prospect for the club. Once fully recovered, he is expected to continue developing into a core player, contributing to the team’s success while maintaining Barcelona’s tradition of promoting young talent.

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Article originally written by Jaineel Kariya