Barcelona consider offering improved contract to 18-year-old midfield gem | OneFootball

Having been eased back from an ACL injury layoff with great care and caution, FC Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal is gradually seeing a rise in his minutes and prominence within the team.

During the winter transfer window, a loan departure was even considered due to his limited playing time, but the situation has now changed radically.

Manager Hansi Flick spoke with the teenage midfielder in January and promised more minutes, and he has kept his word.

An improved contract for Bernal?

Now, according to MARCA, Bernal’s progress has led Barcelona to begin considering an improvement to his contract.

Before the Christmas break, Bernal had played ten matches for a total of 201 minutes. Since 1 January, he has featured in nine matches and accumulated 274 minutes.

His performances have improved, and he even scored his first goal for the senior side, finding the net against Mallorca.

It is true that he renewed his deal a year ago, but at that time, he was in a particular situation as he was recovering from injury, and there was uncertainty about how he would return.

New deal for Bernal? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Even so, the Blaugrana showed confidence in his potential and extended his contract until 2029.

Now, the belief inside Barcelona is that he is due an improved contract, and discussions will begin shortly, although there is no urgency on either side.

Bernal’s development is clear and several clubs have already shown interest, including Girona in January. There are others as well, including big teams from major leagues.

Barcelona are aware of this and will improve the terms of his contract because they do not want unwanted departures to be repeated, although Bernal’s current deal is no longer that of a youth player.

Last year, upon turning 18, Bernal signed his first professional contract, and his release clause was set at €500 million. However, it is his salary that now requires revision in light of his progress.

The La Masia gem, for his part, has no intention of leaving Barcelona.