Manchester United and Newcastle United are interested in activating Marc Bernal’s release clause, but the player is set to sign a new contract with Barcelona.
According to ESPN’s Moisés Llorens, Premier League teams are showing serious interest in Marc Bernals. Manchester United and Newcastle United are keen to exercise the release clause in his current contract, but the 17-year-old is ready to sign a new contract at Barcelona and extend his career there.
Barcelona continue to search for internal solutions to their on-pitch problems as Joan Laporta leans on youthful players from La Masia. Since taking over as president a few years ago, Laporta has overseen rapid change, including the departure of superstar Lionel Messi.
Since then, Barcelona have seen a flood of La Masia talent make its way into the first team, including Gabi, Alejandro Balde, Fermin Lopez, Pablo Torre and most recently Marc Bernal. The departure of Ilkay Gundogan in the summer thrust Bernal into the spotlight. Bernal started the season well before suffering a season-ending rupture of his anterior cruciate ligament.
The midfielder had attracted interest from Premier League sides in the summer but decided to move to Barcelona in July, with his initial contract extension – in line with UEFA rules regarding underage players – taking him under contract until 2026 with a release clause reportedly worth £20m.
Despite the serious injury, Premier League clubs such as Newcastle United and Manchester United are keen to activate the existing clause and sign the player, but they may have to wait for years as the 17-year-old wonderboy is set to sign a new contract with the Catalan club that would secure his long-term future at the club.
Marc Bernal signs new contract with Barcelona
According to Hijantes, Barcelona are serious about keeping Bernal for the long-term future and are set to agree a new deal with him, despite him only recently signing a contract extension. The teenager is due to sign the deal this weekend, which includes a release clause of €500 million and a three-year extension that will come into effect when he turns 18 in May next year.
Barcelona therefore need not worry about Bernal’s future as they remain confident in his future despite the serious injury, which would be a blow for Premier League teams considering that their current release clause could have allowed them to acquire a proven player with a bright future.