Barcelona are currently pursuing deals for Nico Williams and Dani Olmo, which had led to being search for a new defensive midfielder being abandoned for the time being. For existing players, this gives them the chance to shine, and impress new manager Hansi Flick.
So far, two in particular have stood out to Flick: Marc Casado, 20, and Marc Bernal, 17. As reported by MD, Flick has been delighted with the young duo’s performances in training, as well as their showing during the 1-0 friendly victory against UE Olot on Thursday evening.
Flick is delighted with Marc Casadó en Marc Bernal. The coach could bet on them, especially with many other midfielders out injured. @jbatalla7
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) July 26, 2024
As things stand, Barcelona will be without Frenkie de Jong, Gavi and Fermin Lopez for the first match of the 2024-25 season, against Valencia. Pedri will also be lacking sharpness, which gives Casado and Bernal a chance to stamp their authority on the first team ahead of that match at the Mestalla.
If Barcelona are unable to sign a new pivot for financial reasons, which is entirely possible given that they are pushing hard for Williams and Olmo, it means that Casado and Bernal would have much more prominence. The former was already expected to be part of Flick’s squad for the upcoming season, but Bernal may also be included, similarly to how Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi were during the 2023-24 campaign.
