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Manchester City appear likely to miss out on Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal, a youngster widely regarded as the natural long-term replacement for Rodri.
City have already signed Elliot Anderson to inject dynamism and energy into their midfield, while an anticipated move for Ayyoub Bouaddi is expected to ease the pain of potentially losing Rodri this summer and complete a $267 million (£201 million) overhaul of their central midfield.
However, City had also been linked with Bernal, who recovered from an ACL injury sustained early last season and went on to make 22 La Liga appearances—nine from the starting lineup. He made his debut shortly after his 17th birthday two years ago and had been tipped for a breakout 2024–25 campaign before tearing the ligament in his left knee.
The comparisons with Rodri are hard to ignore. Bernal shares a similarly imposing frame at 6'4", combined with strong tactical awareness and precise passing ability. He had previously drawn comparisons to Barcelona icon Sergio Busquets, and reports suggest that Hansi Flick abandoned his search for a new defensive midfielder in 2024 because he was already convinced by Bernal's potential.
Bernal appears to have edged out fellow La Masia product Marc Casadó, 21, in the battle for midfield prominence, with Casadó's playing time declining as his younger rival grew in influence. Casadó has been strongly linked with a departure this summer due to the limited role he is expected to have at Barcelona in 2026–27.
Bernal's Plans Don't Marry Up
It's easy to understand why Manchester City—and Atlético Madrid—would be keen. But Bernal is a proud Catalan, has been at Barcelona since the age of seven, and enjoys the full backing of his manager, making a departure seem unlikely.
Joining City in particular would also mean competing for minutes against Anderson and Bouaddi—two players the Premier League club have invested heavily in and who carry more proven track records at the highest level.
"It's true I saw [the transfer rumors], but I'm not paying them any attention," Bernal told AS.
"I'm preparing [for the season] and that's all I'm focused on. I want to have a strong preseason. [A contract renewal] is something for my agent to handle. But my desire is to stay here for many years," he said pointedly.
Bernal is currently contracted until 2029, though that deal was signed last September and no longer reflects his rising standing within the first team.
Preseason Crucial for Bernal's Prospects
With Frenkie de Jong ruled out through injury and both Gavi and Pedri returning late after Spain's deep run at the World Cup, Bernal has a golden opportunity to shine this summer.
He is well aware of it, and so is Flick.
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"[Flick] told me to make the most of preseason to get myself ready, because a new season is coming where everyone starts on an equal footing," Bernal explained.
"I'm fully fit and ready. But it's the manager's call—he'll decide who plays. That said, I see myself as a starter; you have to believe in yourself and in what you bring to the team."