Atletico Madrid End Pursuit of Barcelona Midfielder Marc Bernal
Atletico Madrid have abandoned their interest in signing Barcelona's teenage midfielder Marc Bernal. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Atletico's sporting director met last week with Bernal's agent, Raúl Verdú, but discussions did not involve the 18-year-old, ending speculation of a potential 2026 transfer.
Atletico had identified Bernal as a target following a period of uncertainty surrounding his Barcelona future. The young midfielder suffered a serious ACL injury in September 2024, which sidelined him for a year and impacted his ability to break into the first team upon his return. This situation prompted initial enquiries from the Madrid club.
However, Barcelona's stance has been unequivocal. During the January transfer window, Atletico were among several clubs to ask about Bernal's availability but were firmly told he was not for sale. Head coach Hansi Flick has since integrated the Spaniard into his plans, making a departure increasingly unlikely. Faced with this resistance, Atletico have now officially moved on to other targets, including Atalanta's Brazilian midfielder Ederson.
The meeting between Atletico and Verdú was instead focused on other clients represented by the agent. This development underscores Barcelona's commitment to retaining one of their most promising academy products. Bernal, who has captained Spain at various youth levels, is highly regarded within the club's hierarchy for his technical quality and composure in midfield.
Atletico's history of signing players from Barcelona, including the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez, and more recently Memphis Depay, had fueled the rumor. Yet, this precedent did not extend to Bernal, whom Barcelona view as a core part of their long-term project. The club's financial pressures, which have often forced sales, were not deemed sufficient to warrant cashing in on the teenager.
For Atletico, the search for midfield reinforcement continues as they plan for the future under Diego Simeone. The failed pursuit of Bernal represents a rare instance where their traditional market strategy has been blocked at the source. For Barcelona, it signals a desire to build around their youth talent despite external interest, with Bernal expected to compete for more minutes next season.
