Barcelona prodigy’s renewal imminent despite Manchester United, Newcastle interest

Barcelona’s midfield crisis began much before the commencement of the new season with Gavi and Frenkie de Jong both carrying forward injuries from last season.

The setback to Marc Bernal, however, was the first crushing blow of the 2024-25 campaign as the youngster sustained an ACL injury, which ruled him out for the entire season.

Bernal soon underwent surgery to facilitate a complete recovery and it is safe to say that it was a crushing blow for the player given his age and that he was just getting started at the elite level.

Barcelona, however, have been supportive all through his journey and Moises Llorens brings a massive update on that front.

Renewal sealed

As revealed by the ESPN journalist, the Blaugrana will announce Bernal’s contract extension this week. All terms have been agreed and only the official announcement and signing are pending.

New deal imminent for Bernal. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The teenager had interest from Manchester United and Newcastle United despite his injury setback late in the window as both Premier League sides valued his potential and longevity.

Both clubs were willing to shell out the player’s €20 million release clause but Barcelona would hear none of it as they have promised the player a direct entry back into the first team once he overcomes his setback.

Needless to say, it arrives as a massive confidence booster for the youngster to see the club place faith in his future even through the difficult times.

In Bernal’s absence, Hansi Flick has been counting on Marc Casado and Eric Garcia to serve as the pivot options, although it is usually only one of them who starts alongside a player like Pedri who oscillated between defence and attack.