Al Nassr seem decided to seize the Saudi Professional League title this season—one thing that has eluded them in recent times. To realize that, they’ve introduced in top-tier expertise to encompass Cristiano Ronaldo and strengthen the squad. Now, they’ve reportedly set their sights on a younger Barcelona midfielder.
Based on Mundo Deportivo, citing Saudi outlet Okaz, Al Nassr are involved in Marc Bernal. The 18-year-old midfielder is taken into account one of many brightest prospects in Barcelona’s youth system and has already featured for the senior group regardless of his age, making three appearances within the 2024–25 season.
It’s not stunning to see the Saudi membership pursuing one other Barcelona participant, particularly after signing Iñigo Martinez this summer time. The Spanish defender had been an necessary determine for Los Blaugranas underneath head coach Hansi Flick final season, however the profitable provide he acquired from Al Nassr was just too good to go up.
Nevertheless, Bernal’s scenario may unfold in a different way. The midfielder is nearing the top of his restoration from an ACL damage in his left knee, suffered in August 2024. Given that he’s simply starting his profession, a transfer to the Saudi Professional League appears incompatible together with his long-term skilled ambitions.
Marc Bernal controls the ball through the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco on August 12, 2024.
“Marc Bernal isn’t even contemplating a change of surroundings,” Mundo Deportivo reported. “He acquired provides this summer time that he didn’t even entertain. He needs to play, make up for misplaced time, and do it at Barça. He made that clear to the board and sporting division.”
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How a lot is Marc Bernal price?
Regardless of taking part in simply three matches for Barcelona, Bernal is seen as one of the crucial invaluable gamers within the squad. His immense expertise and pre-injury performances left a robust impression on the Catalan facet, resulting in a contract extension final yr.
In September 2024, Barcelona introduced a revised contract for Marc Bernal, which included a staggering €500 million ($586 million) launch clause—designed to safe his future with the membership. That contract runs till June 30, 2026, with an possibility to increase for 3 extra seasons.
The discharge clause displays the excessive expectations Barcelona have for what Bernal can ship on the pitch within the years forward. Nonetheless, it’s clear he hasn’t but reached that stage of efficiency. That’s why the valuation by main website Transfermarkt is way extra modest—simply €5 million.
How lengthy do Al Nassr need to signal extra gamers?
This summer time, Al Nassr have been lively within the switch market, present process a big roster overhaul. The membership parted methods with a number of key names together with Aymeric Laporte, Otavio, and Jhon Duran, whereas including famous person signings like Kingsley Coman, Joao Felix, and Iñigo Martinez.
Though the primary switch window closed on September 9, Saudi Professional League golf equipment nonetheless have a quick window so as to add extra expertise. Till Sunday, September 21, they’re allowed to register gamers underneath the age of 21.
