Barcelona are on the verge of tying Marc Bernal to a new long-term deal, a move that could dampen the ambitions of several Premier League suitors.
Bernal Set to Commit Until 2031
The 19-year-old midfielder is reportedly nearing an agreement that would keep him at Camp Nou until 2031, with a €500 million release clause included. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have joined Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United among those tracking his progress, while Manchester City and Atletico Madrid have also been keeping watch.
Bernal has bounced back impressively from a serious knee injury that disrupted his 2024/25 season. He returned to contribute five goals from a deeper midfield role, and his composure and tempo control have prompted comparisons with Sergio Busquets.
Liverpool and City Face a Waiting Game
Andoni Iraola is said to be an admirer, and Liverpool still lack a specialist holding midfielder. City, meanwhile, are planning for the future amid uncertainty over Mateo Kovacic. Yet with Barcelona unwilling to sell and the release clause making any approach prohibitively expensive, neither club can realistically force the issue.
Our Take
Barcelona have acted smartly by securing Bernal early. His value lies in how he controls matches rather than his goal tally, and that quality is rare in young midfielders. Liverpool may need to stay patient, as there is little sign of his Barcelona future being in doubt.