FC Barcelona has made headlines worldwide after setting staggering €500 million hefty release clause for the services of teen star midfielder Marc Bernal.
Barcelona and Bernal have reached an agreement to adjust his contract binding him to the club until his status as an U19 player comes to an end on 30th June 2026, with an option to extend his stay for 3 more years.
Meeting with manager Hansi Flick
A product of the La Masia, Barcelona FC’s highly renowned sports academy, the teen was celebrated by Barcelona FC manager Hansi Flick, and the German tactician was convinced that the club reflected great confidence in the young lad’s potential to become a key significant player for the La Liga giants.
‘The club is convinced that he is a fabulous investment for the future and has reflected this belief with today’s deal’ said Hansi.
The 17-year-old rising young talent’s contract has also been extended until June 2026, an announcement came from FC Barcelona, ‘After Marc transitions to under-19 football category in 2026, he will get the opportunity to extend his stay for additional three years’, the statement read in part.
Moreover, Barca had unwavering faith in the young midfielder’s exemplary performance, sentiments laid out in the hefty release clause, and his mouthwatering new contract which expressed remarkable investment for the club’s future.
Bernal couldn’t hold back his joy after signing his contract,” I’m very happy to be here, I learn every day from the best and try to do things well”.
This strategic decision by Barcelona not only secures Mark Barnal’s future career at Camp Nou but also, it’s good for business with the intent to build a competitive squad able to secure more finances to drive the team out of the recent economic stagnation following the 2019/2020 losses of €97 million.
Rising Above the Injury
Until his untimely injury last month during Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano, Marc was the talk of the town and has been making headlines since the commencement of the season. He has made three league appearances from the start of the season opening his senior debut with Valencia CF.
In their official statement on August 28, Barcelona FC announced that Bernal would be benched indefinitely following his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, an injury involving a late tackle during the additional time of what was a spectacular comeback win.
His pre-season performance had already garnered significant traction and football scouts’ attention focused on Bernal making him one of the brightest star prospects in the Spanish La Liga and European football.
The youngster attracted more than attention after making his mark as one of the most noticeable players on the pitch while starting against the top three fierce opponents, Real and City; and played a key role in the comeback victory against Milan after coming off bench.
Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola was elated when speaking about Bernal after the friendly: ‘I don’t know what their parents give them, but they walk like flies and always know what to do on the pitch, that can only happen in the Barca youth academy, they are really privileged’ he stated.
Comparisons with Sergio Busquets
This move has been likened to legendary footballer Sergio Busquets who made his debut in the top flight. His height of 1.88 meters and his playing style is reminiscent of the Barca club legend and longtime striker.
His team mates are comparing him to the 36-year-old Busquets due to his technically elegant moves and extremely perfect and clean passes across the pitch. Bernal, a left footer, can also technically escape from critical attacks with his right, and impresses with his grounded stability and strong game intelligence putting astonishing pressure on the opponent.
His versatility has provided speculations that Barcelona FC not only abandoned the original plan of signing another central midfielder but also the reason Barca sold Oriol Romeu.
