Image for Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are interested in Barcelona’s 19-year-old Juan Jesus
Image for Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are interested in Barcelona’s 19-year-old Juan Jesus
Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal after the Catalonians decided they are willing to sell him.
Bernal is not the only player who has been reported to be on the Reds’ radar, with reports this week stating that Liverpool are keen on signing Alejandro Balde, with Barca willing to let him leave on loan in January.
Ronald Araujo completed a loan move to Anfield in the summer and has been one of the outstanding performers for Andoni Iraola, with multiple reports indicating that the Merseysiders would be willing to pay the £47m clause in his contract to make the transfer permanent.
Now, it seems that 19-year-old Bernal is another player under consideration at Liverpool.
According to Spanish journalist Juan Jesus, Liverpool are weighing up whether or not to make a move for Bernal, with Atletico Madrid also interested.
Jesus reports: “Marc Bernal is attracting attention from several clubs: Liverpool and Atletico de Madrid are following him closely, with Simeone and Iraola as absolute admirers of his profile.
“The player wants to convince Flick, but in June his playing time will be evaluated.
“With the presence of untouchables like Pedri, Gavi, De Jong, and Rodri, Bernal is not the coach’s first option.
“If he’s not satisfied with his role, a permanent transfer is highly likely, not just a loan.
“Barca doesn’t want to sell him, unless the player himself asks to leave.”
?? Marc Bernal atrae la atención de varios clubes: Liverpool y Atlético de Madrid lo siguen de cerca, con Simeone e Iraola como absolutos admiradores de su perfil.
??El jugador quiere convencer a Flick, pero en junio se evaluará su tiempo de juego. Con la presencia de intocables… https://t.co/eAh3SEDcDO
— Juan jesus (@Juanjesuscsap) October 2, 2026
Liverpool are one of the best destinations for young players, given how they prioritise creating a pathway to the first team.
Rio Ngumoha is proof of this, making waves in the senior setup long before he even turned 18. His progression from the Academy to the first team will no doubt be used by the Liverpool recruitment staff to demonstrate to young players how they will be looked after at the club.
Andoni Iraola is also another big reason why young players should seriously consider joining Liverpool. The Spaniard’s ability to extract the best from his younger players is a rare talent, and one that made him the obvious candidate to replace Arne Slot.