Bernal grabs his chance, becomes a Fluminense regular in 2026 | OneFootball

Midfielder Facundo Bernal is experiencing his best moment since joining Fluminense and is establishing himself as a starter at the beginning of this season. The Uruguayan seized the opportunity opened up after the physical problems of Hércules and Nonato and has remained in the team.

Hércules has been dealing with groin pain, while Nonato is recovering from a muscle injury. As a result, Bernal gained a sequence of games and responded on the field with solid performances, being one of the recent highlights of the team.

His good performance also earned praise from coach Luis Zubeldía, who has come to trust the number 5 as an important piece in the midfield structure.

Sequence and affirmation in 2026

Having never had the status of an absolute starter since his arrival, Bernal is now beginning to change this scenario. At the start of the year, he played the full 90 minutes in important matches, such as against Bangu, Botafogo, and Flamengo, showing consistency both in marking and in ball distribution.

The sequence has been fundamental for the midfielder to gain confidence and establish himself in the competition for a position, especially in a sector that has suffered from absences due to injury.

Investment and long-term contract

Bernal was signed in August 2024, in a deal that cost 3.6 million dollars (about R$ 20 million at the time) for 60% of the economic rights. The Uruguayan midfielder signed a long-term contract, valid until the end of 2028, which demonstrates the club's bet on his potential.

Now, after a first year of adaptation, the Uruguayan is starting to deliver on the field and emerges as one of the most reliable alternatives in the tricolor midfield.

With the opportunities that have arisen and the performance shown, Bernal is giving signs that he can transform his former status as a reserve into a definitive starting position at Fluminense.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.