If there is one thing that FC Barcelona has excelled at recently, it is giving opportunities to its young talents who shine at La Masia, allowing them, regardless of their age, to see action in the first team. Some even integrate directly into the starting eleven, becoming important elements despite having little experience in the top-flight football division.
One of these cases is Marc Bernal, a sensational 17-year-old central midfielder who managed to captivate Hansi Flick during the 2024/25 preseason. Bernal has shown himself as a pivot with refined technique, great tactical intelligence, and imposing physical strength that makes him a tough opponent to beat in defensive situations. His emergence was so remarkable that the German coach decided to field him as a starter in the first three matches of the blue and garnet team in LaLiga EA Sports 24/25 (against Valencia CF, Athletic Club, and Rayo Vallecano), displaying a maturity akin to a seasoned player.
However, at the peak of his burgeoning sports career, misfortune has struck Marc. Why? During the match against Rayo at Vallecas, he suffered a regrettable injury. After thorough medical examinations, it was determined that he had suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, along with an injury to the external meniscus. This setback will keep him sidelined from the pitch for approximately between 10 and 12 months.
Despite this bitter episode in the young '28's career, a great show of support has emerged from various quarters: teammates, rivals, fans, and institutions. All have rallied to offer their backing to the midfielder in this challenging moment.
The Grand Gesture FC Barcelona Wants to Make for Marc Bernal
At this juncture, speaking of conveying support and confidence, the Catalan club, as reported by 'SPORT,' is planning to deliver excellent news to Marc Bernal. Barcelona is reportedly considering extending the player's contract soon, from expiring in 2026, as agreed in his last renewal, to now extending it until 2029. This move is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
This contract extension signifies strong backing from the Barcelona board towards Marc Bernal. Although in the previous renewal, formalized on July 24, 2023, the option to extend the player until 2029 was already included, this was subject to certain conditions that needed to be met to activate those additional three years. Now, the extra three years would be contractually secured.
This gesture demonstrates the interest of the Blaugrana's sports management in fully supporting the player and bringing him additional joy to face his recovery process with a more optimistic outlook, which is likely to be long and emotionally challenging. Marc Bernal will need all the possible support from his community during this period.