Overview

• Bernal received medical clearance in August and is expected to be named in the squad for the home game at Estadi Johan Cruyff, with any minutes at Hansi Flick’s discretion.
• Barcelona declined the Spanish federation’s request to release Bernal for the U-20 World Cup to keep his return under club supervision.
• During the summer, the club explored a short loan and seven teams enquired, including Chelsea, AS Roma, Brighton, Everton, Valencia, Girona and Real Betis, but Bernal chose to stay.
• Reports in Spain and Saudi Arabia link Al-Nassr to the youngster, yet both Barcelona and the player are not considering a move as the Saudi U-21 registration window remains briefly open.
• Bernal’s deal runs to 2026, and his agency has claimed an agreement to extend to 2029 with a €500m release clause, which has not been announced by the club.