In the previous summer transfer window, a young Barcelona prodigy became the target of ambitious overtures from Chelsea.
Despite suffering a serious ACL injury in August 2024 that sidelined him for over a year, the 18-year-old’s talent and potential continued to attract attention from top clubs across Europe and beyond.
His brief but impactful return to action for Barcelona against Valencia earlier this month only reaffirmed his high stock, drawing interest from clubs eager to secure his services.
However, the La Masia gem remained steadfast in his loyalty to the Catalan giants, turning down lucrative offers to chase his dream of starring at the Camp Nou.
The player at the heart of this saga is Marc Bernal, a versatile midfielder whose composure and quality have marked him as a future cornerstone for Barcelona, according to Mundo Deportivo.
According to reports, Chelsea made a calculated approach, eyeing a long-term contract with an initial loan spell at their sister club, Strasbourg, to help Bernal regain match fitness.
Though no formal offer materialized, the Premier League side’s interest underscored their belief in his potential.
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr, also backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and boasting stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, made a last-minute push to sign Bernal outright, dismissing any loan arrangements.
Their all-or-nothing stance reflected their urgency to add the teenager to their ranks.
Bernal, however, had no intention of leaving.
His lifelong ambition to succeed at Barcelona outweighed the allure of big-money moves.
He made his stance clear to the club’s board and sporting department, reaffirming his commitment to the Blaugrana.
Since his return, Bernal has featured briefly, playing nine minutes as a substitute against Valencia.
With Gavi sidelined by injury, opportunities may arise for the youngster to cement his place in Hansi Flick’s squad.
Bernal’s rejection of Chelsea and Al-Nassr highlights not only his talent but also his unwavering dedication to Barcelona’s storied legacy.
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