Barcelona midfielder primed for major leap in 2026/27 season after difficult recovery year

Barcelona midfielder primed for major leap in 2026/27 season after difficult recovery year Barcelona appear convinced that the upcoming campaign could finally be the season in which Marc Bernal takes the next step in his development and becomes an important figure in Hansi Flick’s squad. According to AS , the 2026/27 season is expected to be a defining year for the young midfielder after a campaign largely influenced by his recovery process and careful workload management.  Within the club, there is growing optimism that Marc Bernal’s breakout season at Barcelona is now within reach. Having spent the last year balancing competitive football with rehabilitation, the midfielder now has an uninterrupted summer ahead of him, something which is viewed as a key factor in his progression. What’s the story? Barcelona latest news suggests that Hansi Flick’s plans for Bernal are extremely ambitious heading into the new campaign. Unlike last season, when physical concerns dictated much of his involvement, the 18-year-old will now enter pre-season without limitations and with a full preparation schedule available to him. Barcelona are expecting a lot from Bernal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) For Barcelona, this will be a significant development considering Bernal’s emergence had previously been halted by a serious injury just as he was beginning to establish himself as one of the club’s brightest La Masia talents. Reports indicate that Flick will no longer have to worry about protecting the player from excessive demands or managing fears of a relapse. Instead, Bernal will begin the season on equal footing with the rest of the squad, competing for opportunities as another first-team option. However, even after that, the German manager is expected to handle his development intelligently, ensuring he receives the necessary minutes and confidence to continue building momentum. Barcelona expecting breakthrough season from Bernal It is said that Barcelona are expecting a big season from the midfielder because he already possesses qualities that distinguish him from many players developed through the academy system. Beyond his ability to provide defensive balance, Bernal is recognised for his composure in possession, excellent progressive passing and capacity to break opposition lines through both distribution and ball carrying. The 2026/27 season could be the breakthrough campaign for Bernal. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) Another attribute that makes him stand out is his goalscoring instinct . Unlike many academy-produced midfielders, Bernal has shown an ability to influence matches in advanced areas. Last season, the Barcelona midfielder registered five goals in all competitions, scoring twice in La Liga, once in the Champions League and twice in the Copa del Rey. He also contributed one assist. Such output has only strengthened the belief that Bernal’s development under Flick could accelerate significantly over the coming months. Simply put, the foundation for success is already there, which explains why many within the club view Bernal as an important part of the long-term project. Sure, the youngster still has areas to improve, but his understanding of the game, positional intelligence, and growing tactical maturity suggest he has the tools needed to thrive at a club like Barcelona.