FROM LA MASIA TO EUROPE? ROMA LEAD CHASE FOR BARÇA'S TALENTED BUSQUETS SUCCESSOR
AS Roma are reportedly exploring a move for Marc Bernal, the promising 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder once widely tipped as the long-term successor to Sergio Busquets. The Italian club sees the teenager as a potential cornerstone for their midfield rebuild, and preliminary inquiries have already been made regarding his availability this summer.
Bernal, who has come through the ranks at La Masia, is regarded as one of the most technically gifted deep-lying midfielders of his age group in Spain. Known for his calmness under pressure, precise passing, and tactical intelligence, the teenager has drawn comparisons to Busquets not only for his position but for his stylistic maturity beyond his years.
Despite his talent, first-team opportunities at Barcelona have been limited, largely due to stiff competition and the club’s ongoing financial balancing act. With Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi, occupying central roles, Bernal has found himself on the fringes, often playing for Barcelona B but waiting patiently for a breakthrough.
That has not gone unnoticed by clubs abroad. Roma, under the management of Daniele De Rossi, are keen to inject youthful quality into the squad, particularly in the holding midfield role. With long-term question marks over the future of veterans like Leandro Paredes and Bryan Cristante, Bernal is seen as a player who could both provide depth now and develop into a midfield linchpin.
The Giallorossi are reportedly weighing up a structured offer, potentially including a loan with a buy option or a permanent transfer with a buy-back clause in favor of Barcelona — a formula the Catalan club has used in other recent deals to maintain some control over emerging talents.
From Bernal’s perspective, a move to Serie A could offer regular senior minutes, a new challenge, and the chance to grow away from the shadow of Barcelona’s high expectations. However, Barcelona may still be reluctant to let him leave outright, particularly given their own history of losing young gems too soon.
With the summer window heating up and Bernal’s stock continuing to rise, this could become one of the more intriguing under-the-radar sagas to watch. Roma's growing interest reflects a broader trend of clubs looking to snap up elite talent early — and for Bernal, it could be the first step toward fulfilling the lofty expectations once placed upon him at Camp Nou.
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