Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal has secured a contract extension with the club, despite being sidelined for the season due to an ACL tear.
The 17-year-old will sign a deal that runs until 2026, with the option to extend for another three years when he turns 18.
This new contract includes a significant pay raise and an increase in his release clause, which had been set at €20 million.
The club moved quickly to protect Bernal from interest by other teams, especially after losing striker Marc Guiu to Chelsea earlier in the year.
Bernal had been a key player in Barcelona’s opening three matches before suffering the ACL injury in a victory over Rayo Vallecano. He is set to undergo surgery this week.
Despite his injury, Barcelona is showing their commitment to him, speeding up contract negotiations during this challenging period.
joined the club’s academy in 2014, Bernal rose through the ranks alongside teammates Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, making his first-team debut against Valencia in August.