Barcelona set to retain Marc Bernal with €500m release clause

Barcelona are close to extending Marc Bernal’s contract until 2031, with the midfielder set to receive a pay rise while retaining his existing €500m release clause.

The agreement is one of several contract renewals the club are pursuing, including new deals for captain Raphinha and rising midfielder Xavi Espart.

Bernal, 20, has returned to Hansi Flick’s plans after missing almost the entire 2024/25 season with an ACL tear. His recovery and progress have attracted attention for both Barcelona and Spain.

The Catalan midfielder offers a distinctive physical presence at the base of Barcelona’s midfield. The arrival of Rodri provides Bernal with an ideal player from whom to learn as he continues his development.

Barcelona sporting director Deco says Bernal is now close to finalising an extension with the club that would keep him under contract until 2031.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the new terms will include an increase in Bernal’s salary, but his existing €500m release clause will remain unchanged. The clause underlines Barcelona’s determination to keep the midfielder at the club.

Bernal is currently away on international duty with the Spain U21 squad. The contract is expected to be finalised at the start of October.