Barca officially secures the La Masia prodigy with a €500 million deal

Barcelona once again shows its commitment to safeguarding the gems of La Masia by signing a long-term contract extension with the young midfielder Marc Bernal.

Marc Bernal’s new contract runs until June 2029, including a massive release clause worth €500 million, despite the 18-year-old just returning from a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

According to the club’s announcement, the signing ceremony took place today at Barcelona’s office, attended by President Joan Laporta, Vice President Rafael Yuste, and Sporting Director Deco. This move shows Barca’s determination to retain young talents amid interest from many European giants, similar to how they handled players like Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Gavi.

Although sidelined for over a year due to an ACL injury, Marc Bernal is still regarded as one of the finest products of La Masia at present. The patience and confidence the management places in him clearly reflect the Catalan club’s long-term vision.

Bernal suffered an ACL injury in August 2024 and was out for more than 12 months. He only returned to the pitch earlier this month in a 6-0 La Liga victory over Valencia, even making an assist. Barcelona extended his contract not only after he recovered but proactively offered a new deal during his rehabilitation, showing full trust in the midfielder’s future.

In Hansi Flick’s midfield rebuilding plan, Bernal is expected to become a key player alongside Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, and Cubarsi. At just 18, he is already considered to have the potential to be a cornerstone for both Barca and the Spanish national team in the coming years. The coaching staff plans to carefully manage Bernal’s playing time to help him regain peak fitness before gradually integrating him into the first team.

With this contract and enormous release clause, Barcelona once again confirms its commitment to protecting La Masia, the academy that has produced golden generations who made the club famous. If he avoids long-term injuries, Marc Bernal could become the new symbol of Blaugrana following the glorious era of Busquets, Xavi, and Iniesta.