Barcelona are preparing fresh contract negotiations with 18-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal, even though he committed to a new long-term agreement as recently as September. The Catalan club recognise that the terms agreed at that point no longer reflect his rapid progression into Hansi Flick’s first-team squad.
Bernal pledged his future to the club until 2029 in a deal struck while he was recovering from a serious knee injury, understood to have involved an ACL tear and lateral meniscus damage. That contract included a €500 million release clause and, by mutual agreement, relatively modest wages that acknowledged his absence from the pitch. With the midfielder now fully fit and having played 19 times across all competitions this season, Barcelona accept that his financial package requires immediate adjustment.
Flick’s Personal Intervention
Head coach Hansi Flick has taken a hands-on approach to managing Bernal’s situation. The German held a private conversation with the player to reassure him of his standing within the squad, similar to his handling of Eric García’s circumstances about a year ago. Flick is eager to prevent another loss like Dro Fernández, who departed for Paris Saint-Germain in the winter window after failing to secure improved terms.
Barcelona’s strategy reflects a broader effort to secure academy graduates before external interest crystallises into formal offers. By acting now, the club hopes to avoid protracted negotiations that could disrupt the dressing room or tempt Bernal to consider alternatives.
Timeline for Resolution
Formal face-to-face discussions between Bernal’s representatives and the club are expected to commence once the current campaign concludes. Both parties have agreed to delay detailed negotiations until then, allowing the player to concentrate on the final stretch of domestic and European fixtures.
Before any talks begin, Bernal will aim to add to his outings when Barcelona take on Levante in La Liga on Sunday. The teenager, who earned his first starting role under Flick at 17, has become a trusted rotational option in a campaign that has validated the faith shown during his rehabilitation.