Barcelona unmoved as Al-Nassr target 18-year-old midfield talent in late transfer push

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MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 27: Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona is helped from the pitch after getting injured during the La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Vallecas on August 27, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images

The last summer transfer window once again saw FC Barcelona players moving to the Middle East as the defender Inigo Martinez decided to join Al-Nassr after a memorable 2024-25 season with the Blaugrana club.

Now, even though the transfer window has been closed for the big European clubs for some time now, the Arabs seem to be looking for another player from Hansi Flick’s squad.

Although the normal transfer window has closed in Saudi Arabia, clubs in the Saudi League can still incorporate young players (Under 21 years of age), and according to Mundo Deportivo, one of the players they are targeting is the midfielder Marc Bernal.

However, neither Barcelona nor Bernal himself appear willing to consider such a move. The 18-year-old La Masia graduate is determined to regain rhythm and continuity with Barça. He has already made his stance clear to the club’s board and sporting management: his priority is to grow and succeed in Catalonia.

From Barça’s perspective, the situation is also well under control. Bernal’s current deal runs until 2026, with a further three years set to be added once he officially signs his new deal.

The new contract will not only secure him a first-team salary but also include a staggering €1b million release clause, effectively shutting the door on any potential departure.

However, for now, the Catalans are quite well protected with his current €500 million release clause in his contract. Thus, despite the interest, it is highly likely that this operation will develop further in the coming days.

Tags FC Barcelona Marc Bernal