Marc Bernal Weighs Barcelona Exit Over Limited Playing Time

Marc Bernal is reportedly considering a move away from Barcelona in the January transfer window as concerns mount over his limited playing time since recovering from a serious knee injury.

Marc Bernal’s Barcelona Journey: A Promising Start Hampered by Injury

Having emerged as one of the brightest talents from Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, Marc Bernal’s rise to the first team was abruptly interrupted last season by a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Suffering the setback in August 2024 during a La Liga victory over Rayo Vallecano, the talented midfielder spent over a year in rehabilitation, missing most of the 2024-25 campaign.

Return to Action and Immediate Impact

After 382 days on the sidelines, Bernal made his much-anticipated return on 13 September 2025. Just a day later, he marked his comeback with an impressive assist in Barcelona’s commanding 6-0 win over Valencia at the Estadi Johan Cruyff. The match saw teammates Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski each notch braces, highlighting the young midfielder’s immediate impact. Despite this strong return, Bernal has been restricted to only four appearances this season, fueling speculation about his future at the club.

Bernal’s Playing Time Concerns and Transfer Possibilities

With fierce competition for midfield spots and Barcelona manager Hansi Flick opting for a cautious approach to Bernal’s reintegration, the 18-year-old has found minutes hard to come by. He has featured only against Real Oviedo in La Liga and made brief Champions League appearances against Paris Saint-Germain and Olympiacos. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Bernal is now contemplating a loan move in January to secure regular first-team football and accelerate his development.

Barcelona’s Stance and Bernal’s Dilemma

Barcelona, under Flick’s guidance, reportedly have no intention of parting ways with Bernal permanently. However, with the winter window approaching, the player is keen to evaluate all options, prioritizing his career progression and desire for more consistent playing opportunities at a crucial point in his development.

National Team Setback: Exclusion from Spain U21s

Marc Bernal’s lack of club minutes has also impacted his international credentials. Spain U21 head coach David Gordo omitted Bernal from the squad for November’s European Championship qualifiers, citing his limited playing time as the main reason. Gordo explained, “Marc is one of our own, but he’s not in a comfortable situation right now. He’s getting very little playing time. We’ve chosen the squad we believe gives us the best chance to earn six crucial points.”

Spain U21s, who remain unbeaten in their qualifying group, are set to face San Marino and Romania, but Bernal will not feature as he focuses on regaining his form and rhythm with Barcelona—or potentially another club.

Lamine Yamal Returns to Spain Squad

While Bernal faces challenges, another Barcelona prodigy, Lamine Yamal, has been recalled to the senior Spain squad for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey. After recovering from his pubalgia issue, Yamal’s recent performance against Club Brugge convinced Spain manager Luis de la Fuente of his readiness, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of Barcelona’s young talents.

Barcelona’s Upcoming Fixtures and Flick’s Expectations

Barcelona’s next test arrives against Celta Vigo in La Liga before the international break. After a disappointing 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in the Champions League, Hansi Flick is eager for his side to show improvement and close the five-point gap to league leaders Real Madrid. Flick remains optimistic, stating, “We have to keep working. We are not at our best, but we must stay positive. We’ll get back to our best level as players return from injury. We are Barça and want to be intense with and without the ball. We have the opportunity to do better.”

What’s Next for Marc Bernal?

As the January window approaches, all eyes are on Bernal’s decision. Will he seek a loan move to gain the vital experience he needs, or will Barcelona offer him more opportunities in the coming weeks? For the young midfielder, consistent game time is central to both his club and international ambitions.

Opinion: Bernal’s Dilemma Reflects the Harsh Realities of Elite Football

It’s never easy for a young player to return from a serious injury and immediately find a place in a top team like Barcelona. Marc Bernal’s situation underlines the competitive nature of elite football where talent sometimes has to make tough decisions for the sake of development. If Bernal chooses a loan move, it could be the catalyst for fulfilling his immense potential—and would be a decision made with both courage and ambition. For updates on Bernal’s future and the latest football stories, visit for more news.