Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal ahead of a potential move in 2027, with Reds manager Andoni Iraola believed to be a keen admirer of the highly rated youngster.
The 19-year-old is a product of Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy and has already broken into the club’s senior setup. Primarily operating as a defensive midfielder, Bernal has impressed with his tactical intelligence, defensive work, physical strength and ability to remain composed when building play from deep.
Spanish journalist Juan Jesus claims Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are among the clubs keeping tabs on Bernal, with both Iraola and Diego Simeone reportedly impressed by his qualities. However, Bernal’s immediate priority is to convince Barcelona boss Hansi Flick that he deserves a bigger role in the first team.
Competition for midfield places at Barcelona remains intense. When fully fit, Bernal faces competition from established names such as Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Rodri, making regular playing time difficult to secure. He has started three LaLiga matches this season and has played just 27 minutes in the Champions League so far.
Barcelona currently have no intention of forcing Bernal out and the midfielder is under contract until 2029.
However, his situation could be reassessed next summer if he continues to struggle for consistent minutes and begins to feel that leaving would be better for his development.
Reports indicate that Barcelona would be more open to a permanent transfer if Bernal himself makes it clear that he wants to leave. That could potentially put Liverpool in a stronger position if their interest develops into a serious pursuit.
Bernal’s career has already faced a major setback. He suffered a serious knee injury in August 2024, shortly after making his senior debut, which kept him sidelined for more than a year. He eventually returned in September 2025 and responded positively during the 2025/26 campaign, scoring five goals across all competitions and gradually becoming a more important part of Flick’s squad.
For Liverpool, the situation is therefore one to monitor rather than an advanced transfer negotiation. If Bernal fails to secure the regular first-team role he wants at Barcelona, the door could open for a move in 2027. That could give Iraola the opportunity to bring one of La Masia’s highly rated young midfielders to Anfield.
For now, though, there is no indication that a deal is close, with Liverpool’s interest appearing to remain at the monitoring stage. Bernal’s playing time and his own stance on his future could ultimately determine whether the Reds turn their reported interest into a concrete move.
