Barcelona’s plans for the 2025/26 season are beginning to take shape, with pre-season offering Hansi Flick the opportunity to assess his options across the squad.
Joan Garcia has already joined the club this window, while the blockbuster loan signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United was confirmed on Wednesday.
With Ansu Fati and Pablo Torre soon to be off the books, the focus has shifted to how Barcelona will balance their current squad while allowing space for emerging talent.
One of those talents has caught attention beyond Spanish borders, and despite recently returning from a major injury, his name is back on the lips of top scouts.
And now, his future could hang in the balance as two clubs circle for his signature before the new campaign kicks off.
Marc Bernal has worked his way back to fitness after tearing his ACL last August, which kept him sidelined for most of the 2024/25 season.
Now 18, the midfielder has rejoined Barcelona’s first-team pre-season training, but there’s no guarantee he will feature once the season begins in a month.
Despite being regarded as a potential midfield star at Camp Nou, Marc Bernal may be on the move as interest in his services grows.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, AS Roma are already in talks with Barcelona over a possible deal, and the Serie A outfit are keen to wrap up negotiations swiftly.
The Italian side are said to be ahead in the race for Bernal, but they’re not alone in their pursuit of the teenager.
La Liga rivals Real Betis have also emerged as contenders, monitoring the situation closely in the hopes of launching their own bid.
Betis see Bernal as a long-term midfield option and are keen to bring him in either on loan or permanently, depending on Barcelona’s demands.
However, sources suggest that unless a loan deal is agreed, Barcelona are reluctant to let him leave, as Hansi Flick considers him a long-term asset.
The expectation remains that Bernal will stay and be integrated into next season’s squad, but with Roma pushing hard and Betis lurking, the coming weeks could prove decisive.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
