Saudi Arabian giants looking to swipe another teenage Barcelona talent | OneFootball

Barcelona talent Marc Bernal arrived onto the scene in style last season, starting each of Hansi Flick’s first three games in charge of the club. What got off to such a promising start was halted in its progress by an untimely cruciate ligament injury, and there are those who would never see him fulfil his potential at Camp Nou.

Namely, Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The giants who are headed by Cristiano Ronaldo are reportedly interested in a move for Bernal, report Okaz, as carried by MD. They say that thus far it goes as far as interest, with neither Barcelona nor Bernal considering a move at this stage. They say that Bernal has received offers this summer, but did not consider them, as he is keen to get his career back on track at Barcelona.

Barcelona contract situation

Image via Violeta Santos Moura/Reuters

Bernal is out of contract in 2026, as things stand, but Barcelona are set to remedy that. Curiously, Barcelona communicated an intention to hand him a new contract shortly after his injury, but that deal has yet to be made official. The likely reason is Barcelona’s salary limit issues. The Blaugrana registered Bernal as a senior player this summer, but have not announced an agreement. Bernal’s agency have previously indicated to Football España that a deal has agreed to renew his deal until 2029, with a €500m release clause.

Bernal return imminent

The 18-year-old is over a year on from his tragic injury at Vallecas, and it is believed that Flick will hand him minutes shortly. Bernal has had the green light to return to action since the 7th of August, and the coaching staff this week signed off on his return, having completed preseason with the first team, but without being involved in games. As was the case with Gavi, Barcelona are set to introduce Bernal back into action gradually.