FC Barcelona have had a number of starlets come through La Masia and make a name for themselves in the first team. One of Hansi Flick’s first bets in this regard was Marc Bernal, whom he promoted at just 17.
The German manager also made Bernal a starter until the youngster suffered an ACL injury that kept him out for a year. Since returning, he has not been able to secure regular minutes in the first team.
The idea of a loan for the 18-year-old was floated early in the January window, [with Girona mentioned as a possible destination](https://semprebarca.com/girona-look-to-recreate-eric-garcia-success-story-with-another-barcelona-player-report/). Now, as per [SPORT](https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/ajax-intereso-incorporar-marc-bernal-126031427), Dutch giants Ajax also approached the club to take Bernal on loan.
Jordi Cruyff, Barcelona’s former sporting director, is set to take over at Ajax from 1 February. Although he was not involved in the Bernal operation, the report notes that he provided positive assessments of the player.
However, Bernal, together with Barcelona and Hansi Flick, has chosen to continue at the Catalan club rather than go out on loan. Pedri’s injury would, in any case, have ended any hopes of the teenager leaving in search of regular minutes.
The youngster is likely to get more minutes in the coming weeks. Bernal is a long-term bet for Barcelona, and the club expects him to be their defensive midfielder for more than a decade, so they are being very careful with his development.
Everything points to Bernal playing a more prominent role soon. He has shown improved match sharpness in recent weeks, and it remains to be seen how he performs in Pedri’s absence.