Everton were keen to rival Chelsea for the signature of a Barcelona midfielder this summer in their pursuit to bolster their options.
In the end, David Moyes landed Merlin Rohl from SC Freiburg on deadline day, with the German arriving on an initial loan basis.
Throughout the summer, Everton were keen to really strengthen their midfield, having allowed the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure to walk away at the end of his deal.
Everton were able to do so, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall already providing a big impact on Merseyside.
Yves Bissouma was also of interest to Everton as Moyes eyed Premier League experience in the final days of the window.
But it has now been suggested that Everton looked to bring in a midfielder from Barcelona over the course of the summer.
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Everton eyed Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal
In the hours leading to the deadline, Everton wanted to sign Hector Fort from Barcelona to add to their options at right-back.
However, the Spaniard decided to stay within La Liga as he made the season-long loan move to Elche.
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According to Mundo Deportivo, Everton were one of the clubs who also showed an interest in Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal.
The Toffees were not alone, with the following clubs also credited with an interest:
Brighton & Hove Albion
Chelsea
Valencia
Real Betis
Girona
Bernal was presented with the offers, but the 18-year-old decided to remain with Barca and fight for his spot in the squad.
Everton fans were baffled with loaning out Harrison Armstrong, and the possibility of adding another youngster on loan in his place would have likely caused more confusion.
The report does suggest that Hansi Flick could include Bernal in his squad to face Valencia this weekend in La Liga.
What Pep Guardiola said about Marc Bernal
Bernal is a player with a lot of potential, having already broken onto the scene last season with the Catalan side.
And he has already caught the attention of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who praised the player following their friendly last summer.
“I really liked the youngsters. Marc Bernal seemed extraordinary to me, how he controls, how he plays,” he said in 2024.
“But they all played incredibly, they do things very well, they know when to run, when to press, when to anticipate. I wish them all the best.”
Everton could have had a real talent on their hands, but it would have likely been on a loan basis, which would have seen the Toffees sign a player to improve for another team.