Manchester United are keen on Marc Bernal
Manchester City are keen on Marc Bernal
Manchester City seems to have taken their long-standing admiration for Marc Bernal a step further. They are now exploring whether a deal with Barcelona could be possible before the transfer window closes.
Spanish outlet Sport reports the Premier League side have gone further than simply tracking the midfielder. The Catalan newspaper says City have now sounded out the possibility of an unexpected move.
The report claims the club’s midfield rebuild is behind that approach.
With Bernardo Silva already gone, Kovacic no longer in the plans and Nico González also expected to leave, City are preparing for major changes.
Bernal high on City’s shortlist
According to Sport, Manchester City want to sign two top young midfielders and have identified three leading candidates.
Marc Bernal is on that list alongside Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi and Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlović. The report says City have already checked whether Barcelona could be persuaded to negotiate. However, any deal is still seen as very unlikely.
Bernal signed a contract until 2029 with a €500m (£433m) release clause, giving Barcelona a very strong position. Even so, Sport explains the midfielder’s rapid rise has left him on one of the lower salaries in the first-team squad.
Barcelona had planned to discuss improved terms after the summer window. However, City’s interest could force those talks forward.
Barcelona expect more transfer noise
Sport says Hansi Flick remains one of Bernal’s biggest admirers after putting his faith in the youngster early on. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola also became a fan after seeing him up close during his time at Manchester City.
The midfielder has recovered from the serious knee injury that stalled his breakthrough and ended last season as an undisputed starter, strengthening the belief that he will become one of Barcelona’s key players for years to come.
Despite City’s interest, the report says Bernal has no desire to leave. He wants to stay at Barcelona and still sees a new contract as the priority.
Manchester City know convincing Barcelona will be extremely difficult, but Sport says they are prepared to try.