Marc Bernal has delivered a clear message to any clubs circling this month: he’s going nowhere. The teenage Barcelona midfielder is determined to fight for his future at the Camp Nou, despite a frustrating bit part role under boss Hansi Flick.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the 18 year old has zero interest in a January loan or permanent exit, even with first team minutes severely limited. Bernal is said to be convinced his chance will come as the season grinds on, especially with a packed fixture list looming.
It’s been a tough slog for the youngster. A devastating knee injury kept him out for nearly a full year, and since his return he’s managed just 189 minutes across 10 appearances. That’s a far cry from the breakthrough campaign many predicted. “His situation is not easy, we know this,” a club source admitted. “But his attitude is perfect.”
There was some tentative interest from surprise package Girona earlier in the window, but that’s gone cold with no formal offer tabled. Crucially, Flick and the Barça hierarchy are aligned they don’t want to thin the squad mid season. The German coach has publicly ruled out January sales unless absolutely necessary.
Behind the scenes, the word is that the coaching staff rates Bernal highly. They’ve been impressed with his physical progress and his tactical brain, believing his late 2025 cameos showed promising signs. The club see him as a long term asset, not a dispensable piece.
For now, the plan remains unchanged: stay, work, and wait. Bernal’s bet is that persistence will pay off in Catalunya. With the title race heating up and European commitments returning, his moment might just be around the corner provided he keeps his head down and his patience intact.