Barcelona Sticks with its Rising Star: Bernal Will Stay

Why Barcelona blocked the move

Deco, Barcelona's sporting director, played a decisive role in blocking Marc Bernal's move to Girona during the January window, underscoring the club's faith in one of its brightest young talents and its confidence in his near-term role in the first team.

Girona had officially approached Barcelona to explore signing Bernal, as they needed to bolster that position, and Bernal himself was aware of the serious interest.

But Deco's stance was clear from the start: he was not willing to part with the player.

Impact on Bernal and Barcelona's plans

Quique Cárcel, Girona's sporting director, said Deco handled the file with notable professionalism, telling him Bernal isn't a player likely to leave easily.

In remarks on the Tot Costa program on Catalan radio, he explained that Bernal's stay is due to the club's belief that he can earn influential minutes, making a move off the table for now.

This decision comes at a sensitive moment for Marc Bernal, who recently returned from a serious ACL and meniscus injury and has been slowly reclaiming his place in the coach's plans.

With continued involvement in recent games, it is clear Barça views him as a key piece for the future, not just a loaned talent.

Thus, Deco sent a strong message that Barça won't let its rising talents go, especially those with a high ceiling and the ability to force their way into the first team, a description that fits Bernal.