Barcelona midfielder determined to stay despite limited role under Flick

Despite facing strong competition and limited minutes so far this season, Marc Bernal has made his intention very clear. 

According to Mundo Deportivo, the young midfielder has no intention of leaving Barcelona during the January transfer window, even though his chances of becoming a regular starter under Hansi Flick remain slim for now.

Bernal is fully focused on continuing his development at Barça and believes that the second half of the season will offer him more opportunities. 

A loan move has been discussed externally, but the player himself is not considering that option at this stage. 

He feels that his role will grow as the season progresses, especially with a demanding calendar expected at the start of 2026.

Difficult time for Bernal

Bernal’s situation has been influenced heavily by his long injury layoff. After missing almost a full year due to a serious knee injury, he needed time to regain rhythm and sharpness. 

Marc Bernal does not want to leave Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Since returning, he has featured in 10 of Barcelona’s 25 matches across all competitions, accumulating 189 minutes. 

There was some interest from Girona regarding a potential loan, but that interest has not progressed, and no concrete offer has arrived. 

Internally, Barcelona are also against weakening the squad midway through the campaign, and Flick has already expressed his desire to avoid departures in January.

Time will come

The coaching staff reportedly values Bernal highly, both for his tactical understanding and his physical development over recent months. 

His performances toward the end of 2025 showed signs of improvement, reinforcing the idea that he can play a more important role going forward.

Unless there is a dramatic change before the end of the transfer window, the plan is for Bernal to stay at Barcelona, continue working under Flick, and fight for his place rather than seek minutes elsewhere.