Sporting director Deco is on a mission to secure the long-term core of FC Barcelona. In the past week alone, the club has finalized contract extensions for Raphinha, manager Hansi Flick, and rising star Lamine Yamal.
One of the most important things for a long-term project is continuity, and in being able to sign players to new contracts, that is exactly what Deco has managed to do. It looks like the Portuguese director is just getting started in terms of renewals.
Now, as per Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona are working to extend the contract of talented midfield starlet Marc Bernal on a new deal until 2029. The La Masia graduate is currently recovering from an ACL injury that he suffered early on in the season.
Hansi Flick’s first gamble
Bernal was one of the first major gambles that Hansi Flick took as the Barcelona manager. The German decided against signing a new pivot in the market and chose to trust the teenager to fill the void in the first team despite his age.
Bernal started Barcelona’s first three games of the season but the unfortunate injury that he picked up in the third game has kept him out ever since. However, in the fleeting period that he got an opportunity, he managed to catch the eye.
Tall, long-limbed and having positional awareness that would make Sergio Busquets proud, Bernal looks like the best bet to be Barcelona’s pivot in the long run. The 18-year-old will undoubtedly be an important part of Flick’s plans next season.
100% recovery
A new contract, once he turns 18 despite his injury, is the club’s way of showing that they count on him and trust him to be a part of the first team for a long time to come. It should give Bernal a much needed confidence boost.
For now, the priority is to ensure Bernal returns to full fitness without rushing his recovery. His potential is undeniable, and Barcelona’s renewed commitment signals how highly the club rates him. If he can pick up where he left off, the 18-year-old could soon be central to Flick’s long-term midfield blueprint.
