FC Barcelona has solidified its faith in 17-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal by extending his contract until June 2026, with a staggering €500 million buyout clause, the club announced on Monday, October 1.
Bernal, a standout talent from Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, has been lauded for his impressive performances in the opening stages of the La Liga season.
Since making his senior debut in Barcelona’s La Liga opener against Valencia, Bernal has quickly made a name for himself with three league appearances. His rapid rise through the ranks has seen him draw comparisons to club legend Sergio Busquets, especially after his stellar first performance for the senior team. Bernal’s meteoric rise has been temporarily halted by a serious injury, but the club’s new deal demonstrates its belief in his long-term potential.
“Marc Bernal was, until his unfortunate injury, the huge sensation at the start of the season,” FC Barcelona said in an official statement. “After he joined manager Hansi Flick for the pre-season, the German coach was convinced that he was ready to move up to the next level. The club is convinced that he is a fabulous investment for the future and has reflected this belief with today’s new deal.”
Unfortunately, Bernal’s momentum came to a grinding halt after he suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during Barcelona’s 2-1 victory against Rayo Vallecano in late August. The teenager sustained the injury in stoppage time following a late tackle, leaving him sidelined indefinitely. The club also revealed that he damaged his lateral meniscus, compounding the seriousness of the injury.
The injury came at a time when Bernal was quickly becoming a key figure in the squad. His consistent performances had earned him three consecutive starts, and his influence on the team was becoming evident. Barcelona expressed its disappointment at the setback, but the new contract signals the club’s unwavering confidence in his recovery and future role within the team.
In addition to the current deal, Barcelona has included an option for Bernal to extend his contract for another three years after 2026, should he no longer be eligible as an Under-19 player by then. This ensures that the talented Spaniard will remain a key part of the club’s future plans.
Despite the unfortunate injury, Bernal remains a significant player for FC Barcelona’s future, and the club’s latest move shows their commitment to his development.
