Barcelona have no plans to part company with 19-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal despite the expected arrival of Rodri, according to Sport.
The Catalan club continue to regard Bernal as an important part of their sporting plans, both in the immediate future and over the longer term. That position was made clear on Wednesday, when Barcelona sporting director Deco held a meeting with representatives of the young midfielder.
During the meeting, Deco reportedly reassured Bernal’s agents that the player remains central to the club’s project. Barcelona are therefore not considering his departure as they pursue an agreement for Rodri, despite speculation that the arrival of the Manchester City midfielder could affect Bernal’s prospects.
The club are also planning formal discussions with Bernal over an improved contract in September. The proposed agreement would include a significant increase in his salary and would run until 2031.
That planned contract renewal represents a clear indication of Barcelona’s confidence in Bernal’s development. Rather than allowing the possibility of Rodri joining to change their position, the club intend to retain the teenager and strengthen their commitment to him.
Bernal’s future has become a topic of interest because Barcelona are expected to reach an agreement with Manchester City for Rodri in the near future. The transfer has not yet been completed, but negotiations are understood to be moving towards a deal.
Until that agreement is finalised, Rodri remains a Manchester City player. However, Barcelona are increasingly likely to add him to their midfield options, while simultaneously maintaining their long-term plans for Bernal.
The club’s message to the midfielder’s representatives was that the two players’ situations should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. Barcelona’s decision to prepare a new long-term contract for Bernal shows that they continue to see him as part of their plans, even with Rodri’s possible arrival approaching.
Sport’s report states that the contract talks with Bernal are scheduled for September. If an agreement is reached, the midfielder would be tied to Barcelona until 2031, with improved financial terms.
For now, the Rodri transfer remains unresolved. Barcelona and Manchester City have yet to conclude the deal, although an agreement is expected to be reached soon. Regardless of the outcome of those negotiations, Barcelona have made clear that they intend to keep supporting Bernal and regard him as a significant part of the club’s future.
