Liverpool threat prompts Barcelona to secure Marc Bernal’s future

Liverpool’s threat weighed on Marc Bernal’s contract renewal at Barcelona. The Catalan club has reached an agreement with the young midfielder to extend his deal through 2031, with a release clause set at 500 million euros. The clause is intended to deter interested clubs, with Liverpool foremost among them. The new contract is expected to be officially announced in the coming days.

Last summer, Liverpool and Atlético de Madrid showed interest in Bernal. The English club had reportedly planned to make an offer of around 60 million euros in the summer of 2027. Its plan was to give the midfielder more playing time if his opportunities at Barcelona were to diminish.

Since the start of the current season, Hansi Flick has demonstrated his ability to manage his squad’s playing time, and Bernal has had plenty of opportunities to feature. The player is in his third season with Barcelona’s first team. An injury suffered at the Vallecas stadium kept him out for his entire first season, when he started only two matches; continuity was also difficult in his second.

Last season, Barcelona’s midfield competition included Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo and Fermín López. The club subsequently recruited Rodrigo Hernández, known as “Rodri”, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. Bernal is part of La Masia’s 2007 generation, several of whose players are making an impression with the first team. His renewal joins the extensions overseen by Barcelona sporting director Deco, including those of Raphinha and young Xavi Espart, who has renewed through 2030.