Barcelona’s preseason preparations under new manager Hansi Flick have already started making headlines, but not necessarily because of the usual suspects like Pedri, De Jong, or Gavi. Instead, an unexpected name has risen from the shadows to become the center of attention — Marc Bernal. The 18-year-old La Masia graduate, who has long been hailed as a potential future midfield general, is now making a case to be Flick’s secret weapon for the upcoming campaign.
Just a few weeks ago, hardly anyone would have imagined that Bernal — who had been out for over a year due to a serious injury — would return with such intensity and elegance on the ball. But as training sessions rolled on, it became clear to both fans and players alike: this was no ordinary return. Bernal didn’t just rejoin the squad — he dominated training drills, displayed outstanding tactical intelligence, and physically matched senior players who have spent years at the top.
Pedri, who rarely offers public endorsements of young players, made a striking comment about Bernal during a recent media interaction: “If he keeps this up, he’ll play a lot.” A short sentence, but one that carries immense weight, especially when coming from a player like Pedri who understands the rigor of Barcelona’s midfield. It also underlines just how impressive Bernal’s return has been — enough to draw praise from one of the team’s brightest stars.
Bernal’s rise is especially significant given the fierce competition in Barcelona’s midfield. Hansi Flick already has a wealth of options to choose from: Pedri, Gavi, De Jong, Fermín, Dani Olmo, and Casadó, to name a few. Yet Bernal’s versatility — being comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box engine, or even a defensive shield — makes him a unique asset in Flick’s tactical setup. It’s no surprise that internal discussions have reportedly begun about carving out a serious role for him this season.
What’s even more remarkable is how quickly Bernal has shaken off the rust after such a long layoff. Normally, players returning from a major injury need months to regain rhythm and confidence. Bernal, however, appears sharper than ever, playing with the maturity of a seasoned pro. His recovery, both physical and mental, is being seen as a blueprint for how to return from setbacks — a testament to his professionalism and deep commitment to the club.
During the team’s latest closed-door training matches, Bernal reportedly held his own against the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo — two of the most dynamic and intelligent midfielders in European football. According to coaching staff sources, Bernal’s positional awareness, pressing intensity, and clean distribution left everyone surprised. Flick, known for giving youth a chance when they show hunger and quality, is said to be “seriously considering” fast-tracking Bernal into his rotation.
It’s a dramatic turnaround for a player whose career looked uncertain not so long ago. A devastating injury sidelined Bernal during what was supposed to be his breakout season, and many assumed he would fade into the long list of ‘what-could-have-been’ La Masia stories. But the teenager’s dedication to recovery and quiet determination during rehabilitation seems to have turned that narrative completely on its head.
The dressing room atmosphere surrounding Bernal has shifted. According to insiders, several senior players have privately praised the youngster’s intelligence and composure. Some even believe he could surpass the expectations once placed on other La Masia midfielders who couldn’t quite make the leap. As one insider put it, “It feels like watching the emergence of the next great Barcelona midfielder — it’s not hype, it’s earned.”
This resurgence comes at a crucial moment for Barcelona. With Flick trying to instill a new tactical identity and reshape the squad into a more physically intense, pressing-heavy unit, players like Bernal — who can cover ground, maintain possession under pressure, and read the game — fit the mold perfectly. While Barcelona continues to be linked with big-name midfielders across Europe, the answer to their long-term needs may already be homegrown.
Pedri’s comments, though brief, now appear to reflect a broader consensus within the club. Bernal isn’t just another youth prospect making headlines during preseason — he’s being seriously viewed as a part of the club’s present and future. If his current form holds, it won’t be long before fans see him lining up at the Olympic Stadium alongside the team’s elite.
The 2025/26 season may well be remembered as the one where Marc Bernal went from being a forgotten name in the treatment room to Flick’s “trump card.” Whether he starts or comes off the bench, one thing is certain: Bernal’s return is no longer just a feel-good story — it’s a strategic development that could shape Barcelona’s midfield for years to come.