Barcelona setting up teenager for big future

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed high hopes for teenage midfielder Marc Bernal, telling the La Masia graduate that he could one day captain the club. 

The 18-year-old has been widely regarded as one of the most promising talents to emerge from Barcelona’s academy in recent seasons, and his gradual return to first-team action is being closely monitored by senior figures at the club.

Bernal first broke into the Barcelona squad at the start of last season and quickly impressed with his composure and physical presence in midfield. 

However, his momentum was halted by a serious ACL injury that sidelined him for more than a year. He made his return in September but did not earn his first start until Saturday’s victory over Alaves, a sign of how carefully Barcelona have managed his comeback.

Head coach Hansi Flick has taken a cautious approach, determined not to rush Bernal back into a heavy workload too soon. 

The club considers the midfielder a long-term asset, and Flick is aware of the risks of reintroducing him too aggressively after such a long layoff. Laporta shares this sentiment, reinforcing how highly Bernal is valued within the club’s future plans.

Laporta recently told the teenager, “If everything goes as we all want, one day you will be able to be captain of Barcelona.” The president sees Bernal as part of a new generation of midfield leaders alongside Pedri, Gavi, and Fermin Lopez, all of whom are expected to shape the team’s identity for years to come.

Reports in recent weeks suggest Bernal has been frustrated by his limited minutes since returning from injury. Barcelona, however, have urged patience, reminding him that his long-term development is the priority. 

The club even turned down multiple offers for him in the summer transfer window, underlining their commitment to keeping him at the Camp Nou.

Bernal is expected to earn more playing time in the coming weeks and is tipped to move ahead of Marc Casado in the midfield hierarchy. 

While Pedri and Frenkie de Jong remain ahead of him in the pecking order, Barcelona believe opportunities will arrive naturally as the season progresses.