Barcelona have been lamenting the loss of 17-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal this week, after it was confirmed that he would be out for the rest of the season. Against Rayo Vallecano he tore his anterior cruciate ligament and damaged his meniscus, which could keep him out for up to a year.
One thing that might lift his spirits a little is a new long-term deal at the club. Barcelona are ready to show their faith in him, and Sport say the Blaugrana intend to offer Bernal a five-year contract. His current deal was signed this summer, and extended his contract until 2026, with an option of three further years. The Blaugrana are willing to activate that option already, despite the variables that would have triggered the extra three years having not been met.
There's no deal or even a preliminary agreement with Nike, so the 1:1 rule won't be restored through that route. @xavi__hdez
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 29, 2024
Certainly he has looked mightily impressive in his first three senior games, starting all of them under Hansi Flick, and taking on increasing responsibility. Of course, if Bernal continued at the rate he was playing, they would have likely been discussing a new deal in the next six months anyway, and it is quite possible that he would have been in line for a much larger deal, were it not for the injury. All the same, it’s responsible planning from the Blaugrana to secure one of their top targets, if they do manage it.
