This summer, Al-Nassr signed one of FC Barcelona's veteran defenders for free: Íñigo Martínez. The center-back, after two years at Spotify Camp Nou, decided to head to Saudi Arabia. The move surprised many, but it has strengthened the ambitious project led by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Íñigo Martínez's signing hasn't just been a sporting move, but also a strategic one. According to reports, upon his arrival at Al-Nassr, he was consulted about some of La Masia's young talents, an academy that generates international interest. One of the names Íñigo himself put forward is that of a footballer who's expected to make history at Barça.
Marc Bernal, priority target in Saudi Arabia
The 18-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal has been identified by Íñigo Martínez as one of the most promising pearls of culer soccer. According to the Saudi outlet "Okaz", the academy product is one of Al-Nassr's absolute priorities in its plan to rejuvenate the project and also bet on international talent, not just established stars.
Marc Bernal stands out for his physical ability, tactical awareness, and maturity beyond his years. At Barça, they see him as a future pivot, capable of taking over from a figure like Sergio Busquets.
A clause that shields him at Camp Nou
The Saudi interest faces a very clear obstacle. Marc Bernal has an active contract with Barça and a release clause of €500 million (€500,000,000). An unattainable figure for any club, even for Saudi Arabia's billionaire projects.
At Spotify Camp Nou, they're adamant: there's no possible negotiation for Bernal. He's a key piece for the present and the future, and he's already fully recovered from his injury, ready to play again.
Saudi Arabia's plan with young talents
The bet on Bernal is part of a broader strategy across Saudi Arabia. In this case, Al-Nassr doesn't want to limit itself to signing stars in the final stretch of their careers, like Cristiano Ronaldo or Mané... it also seeks to bring in young prospects who can guarantee long-term competitiveness.
Íñigo Martínez, familiar with La Masia and its inexhaustible academy, would have personally recommended Marc Bernal as a player who could adapt well there. However, the path to his signing seems practically impossible.
Marc Bernal and Barça's response
The best news for Barcelona fans is that Marc Bernal himself isn't considering a move to Saudi Arabia. At 18, he's very clear that his dream is to succeed at Spotify Camp Nou and establish himself in Barça's first team. He's not attracted by the idea of leaving for a league that, despite its economic growth, doesn't offer the same competitive level as Europe.
Meanwhile, Barça remains firm: it won't negotiate for Bernal. He'd only leave if someone paid the €500 million clause, something that's unthinkable today. The message is clear: Marc Bernal's future lies with Barça, not Saudi Arabia.