The ongoing negotiations between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid to sign Argentine striker Julian Alvarez have taken a new turn, after the Catalan club categorically rejected including young midfielder Marc Bernal in the deal, despite coach Diego Simeone's insistence on signing the promising talent.
The Catalan newspaper "Mundo Deportivo" reported that Barcelona received information confirming Simeone's strong interest in signing Bernal, at a time when the Blaugrana club submitted a financial offer worth 100 million euros to sign Alvarez, while being prepared to include some players of lesser importance in coach Hansi Flick's plans.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta had publicly acknowledged the existence of negotiations with Atletico Madrid upon his arrival in the American city of Dallas last Sunday, praising the friendly relationship he shares with his counterpart at the Rojiblancos, Miguel Angel Gil Marin.
However, the Catalan administration expressed complete rejection of the idea of parting with Bernal, whom the club considers a non-negotiable player, especially after renewing his contract last September until June 2029 with a release clause of 500 million euros.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who hails from the Catalan city of Berga, enjoys great appreciation from German coach Flick, who places full confidence in his abilities after an exceptional season during which he recovered from a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee.
Bernal had suffered that severe injury in August 2024, shortly after his first appearance in La Liga, but he succeeded in returning strongly and gradually integrated into Flick's competitive system, where he participated in 33 official matches and played 1,313 minutes during the past season.