There is much excitement at Barcelona surrounding the return of Marc Bernal.
The young midfield sensation is coming on the back of a long injury layoff and is set to return to action sometime in the month of September.
Barcelona have been cautious with Bernal’s fitness, with Hansi Flick refusing to make him feature in the pre-season campaign or even the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Barcelona want Bernal to return to full fitness without the risk of aggravating his injury. But given the intense competition in midfield, many clubs are trying to sign the young midfielder with the lure of regular game time.
Barcelona reject Real Betis offer
As we enter the final stretch of the transfer market, it appears Real Betis had submitted a loan offer to sign Marc Bernal, reports Diario SPORT.
Barcelona, though, have ‘flatly’ rejected this offer as they want total control of the youngster’s progression.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 12: Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on August 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Real Betis wanted to sign Barcelona starlet Marc Bernal on loan this summer. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Bernal himself wasn’t sure of the move as he ideally wants to continue his development at Barcelona.
At the same time, though, Bernal will be heading into the new season with a bittersweet taste. Although the youngster has received great trust from coaches, including Hansi Flick, he will not be given a first-team number.
That is because Barcelona are currently focusing on the registration of new signing Roony Bardghji. Bernal’s ascension to the first team, therefore, will be dosed and slow due to Barça’s cautious approach.
Nevertheless, there is a feeling that Bernal will eventually get back into his groove and start challenging the likes of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi for a place in the starting eleven.