Hansi Flick has finally found Barcelona’s Busquets replacement | OneFootball

Heading into the summer transfer window, one of Barcelona’s primary objectives was to sign a new defensive midfielder. The club were even linked with moves for Joshua Kimmich, and Martin Zubimendi, among others.

However, as we approach the final week of the transfer market, Barcelona have firmly decided not to go after a new holding midfielder – a decision perhaps influenced by the unprecedented growth of youth midfield starlet Marc Bernal.

Marc Bernal: The chosen one to replace Sergio Busquets?

At just 17, Bernal has rapidly ascended through the ranks, and it is becoming increasingly clear that Hansi Flick might have found the long-awaited successor to Sergio Busquets in this young talent.

Flick’s decision to integrate him into the first team has been vindicated by Bernal’s performances in the opening La Liga matches against Athletic Club and Valencia.

Against Athletic Club, Bernal was a revelation. Despite the team’s unconventional setup, with only two pure midfielders and four forwards, Bernal excelled in the pivot role.

Bernal impressed once again vs Athletic Club (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

His ability to maintain possession and deliver precise passes—51 successful out of 53 in that match—underscored his reliability.

In just two La Liga matches, he has demonstrated an ability to manage the midfield with a veteran’s poise, losing the ball only seven times in 119 actions.

Even in a match as intense as the one against Athletic, where he played as the lone pivot in a midfield otherwise occupied by forwards, Bernal never seemed out of place.

The youngster’s performance was so impressive that he even received a standing ovation from the home supporters when he was taken off.

What sets him apart is not just his technical ability but also his mental attributes. Even under intense pressure, he has shown a remarkable ability to remain calm and composed, qualities that were hallmarks of Busquets at his peak.

In fact, Bernal’s style of play is strikingly similar to that of Busquets—favouring one- or two-touch football, positioning himself intelligently to intercept passes, and making quick, accurate decisions that keep the team’s play flowing smoothly.

It is this maturity and poise, far beyond his years, that has drawn comparisons to the legendary Busquets.

Unreal support from Hansi Flick

Bernal’s rapid rise to prominence should be credited to Hansi Flick as well. The German has been quick to recognize and praise these qualities.

Flick deserves credit for Bernal’s rapid rise to prominence (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

The coach has emphasized that the midfielder’s age is irrelevant when it comes to his ability to perform at the highest level.

“It doesn’t matter how old Marc Bernal is. He’s playing well, and it was very important to have him as a pivot today,” Flick stated after the match against Athletic Club.

This trust from the manager has allowed Bernal to grow in confidence, and his performances have only improved as a result.

While it is still early in his career, all signs point to Bernal being a player who could define Barcelona’s midfield for years to come.

His technical skills, tactical awareness, and mental strength are all reminiscent of Busquets at his best. If he continues on this trajectory, Barcelona may have found not just a replacement for Busquets but a new leader in the heart of their midfield.

Barcelona, on their part, are vary of his talent and have made sure he is protected. After signing a new deal with the club before the pre-season tour, his release clause was set at €20 million.

Interestingly, though, this figure is not static. It’s structured to rise depending on his appearances with the first team—reaching €25 million after five games, €30 million after ten games, and eventually €35 million after fifteen games.

In conclusion, it is safe to say that in a time of change, Marc Bernal represents a bridge to Barcelona’s future—a future that, with him at the helm, looks incredibly bright.