Case closed: Barcelona midfield starlet will not leave on loan in January | OneFootball

With just over ten days left before the winter transfer window closes, rumours had emerged about a possible departure for FC Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal.

The teenage prodigy had found minutes hard to come by since returning from his ACL injury back in September.

Given the competition for places in the middle of the park, it was suggested that Bernal could explore leaving on loan in the current window, with Barcelona being open to the idea if the player himself requested it.

Bernal set to stay

However, according to MARCA, the matter is settled, and Bernal will be staying at Barcelona in the January window.

Girona have shown interest in the midfielder, as has been communicated to him, but the chances of a move materialising are very slim.

Hansi Flick has no intention of letting the player leave, especially in light of the imminent departure of Dro, who is set to join PSG.

This was already part of the coach’s thinking, which is why Bernal started in last Thursday’s Copa del Rey match against Racing Santander.

It is true that Bernal has not enjoyed as many minutes as he would have liked. From the outset, the club took a very cautious approach with him, as he was returning from a serious injury and there was no desire to risk a relapse.

Staying put. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

As the months have passed, however, the La Masia gem has not gained the prominence he was hoping for, with Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia being regulars.

For that reason, Bernal came to consider that a loan move could be beneficial to get more playing time. Flick, however, has no intention of allowing him to leave, and in recent weeks has increased his involvement.

The German coach does not want to reduce the depth in the squad for the remainder of the season, with the exception of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

What about when Gavi returns?

There is also an important additional factor: the return of Gavi. In theory, his comeback could have facilitated Bernal’s departure, as he operates in the same position.

However, Barcelona are also proceeding with caution in this regard. Gavi will be reintegrated gradually, depending on how his knee responds.

The academy graduate has suffered two very serious injuries in quick succession, and nobody wants to risk a third. For that reason, his return will be progressive, and there is no certainty about the exact timing.

Flick is unwilling to risk losing a player like Bernal, whom he may need in the coming months, especially after Dro’s departure and with the uncertainty surrounding Gavi. The player himself, seeing his playing time increase, will not push for a move away.