Barcelona close in on Marc Bernal contract extension until 2031

Barcelona are nearing an agreement to extend Marc Bernal’s contract until 2031, with the midfielder set to retain a €500m release clause.

The new deal would keep one of the club’s most highly regarded academy graduates at Barcelona for a further two years beyond the end of his current contract.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Bernal is expected to sign the extension after sporting director Deco announced at the club’s most recent general assembly that an initial agreement had been reached.

The value of the release clause will remain unchanged at €500m, club sources say. Barcelona do not believe it is necessary to increase the figure because of their strong confidence in the player’s ability and future potential.

Some details of the contract are still being finalised, but no changes to the agreement are expected in the coming days before it is formally signed.

Bernal’s rise at Barcelona

Bernal came through Barcelona’s La Masia academy and began to play a more prominent role with the first team from last season.

He has continued to feature during the 2026-2027 campaign despite Rodri joining Barcelona and establishing himself as a regular starter.

The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the leading talents to have emerged from Barcelona’s academy in recent years, and the club expects him to continue developing with the senior side.

The proposed renewal is intended to secure Bernal’s long-term future and protect Barcelona’s position should other clubs show interest in the midfielder over the coming years.

Bernal was linked with a move to Manchester City before the start of the current season, but Barcelona remained firm in their determination to keep him.

His progress has come after a serious knee injury last year. Bernal returned strongly and made regular appearances during the 2025-2026 season, despite having spent more than a year out of action.

Bernal made his Barcelona first-team debut in August 2024, but suffered the knee injury at the end of that month.

He returned to play 33 matches for Barcelona last season, scoring five goals and providing one assist.