Barcelona are preparing to reward Marc Bernal with improved contract terms after the teenager established himself in the first-team picture, with interest from clubs in Spain and abroad increasing pressure on the Catalan club to act.

The club’s sporting directors are expected to meet Bernal’s representatives in the coming days to review his agreement and honour a commitment made when the midfielder signed his previous deal, according to Spanish newspaper Sport.

The meeting comes at a significant moment for Barcelona’s midfield planning. The club are pursuing Spain international Rodri from Manchester City and are monitoring Frenkie de Jong’s fitness, but neither development has altered their view of Bernal’s importance to the project.

Barcelona still regard the La Masia graduate as a major part of their plans for the future and want to make progress on an increase to his salary.

Contract review and growing interest

ESPN reports that Barcelona will discuss improved financial terms with Bernal’s representatives.

The midfielder renewed his contract in September 2025, extending it until 30 June 2029. That agreement includes a release clause worth 500m euros.

However, one issue was left unresolved. Barcelona’s sporting department had promised to reassess Bernal’s salary once he had definitively established himself in the first team. The club now believes that point has been reached and intends to fulfil its undertaking.

Bernal recognises that he still has a long way to go, but his desire to remain at Barcelona is described as absolute. Having progressed through La Masia from a young age, the midfielder’s ambition is to continue developing at the club and become an important figure in the first team.

The proposed financial update is also intended as a precautionary measure. Bernal’s performances and potential have attracted the attention of several clubs in the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A, all of which are following his progress closely.

Barcelona therefore want to strengthen their position while making clear to the player that he remains central to their plans.

The possible arrival of Rodri could change the make-up of the midfield, but Barcelona do not believe the Spain international would block Bernal’s development. The club instead sees value in Bernal sharing a position and training sessions with a player of Rodri’s ability.

Barcelona’s aim is for the two midfielders to play together, with Bernal continuing to gain experience without being placed under excessive pressure.

De Jong’s situation is another factor in the club’s planning. His fitness problems have prompted Barcelona to examine the holding-midfield position more closely and consider alternatives capable of providing stability in a crucial area of the team.

For sporting director Deco, Bernal is one of the most promising talents to emerge from La Masia. Deco wants to communicate that confidence to the player personally and remove any uncertainty over the role Bernal will have in Barcelona’s next team.

The forthcoming meeting is expected to advance discussions over the promised salary increase while also reinforcing the relationship between the club and one of its leading young prospects.