Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal is back on track following his injury nightmare.
The towering teenager completed the well trodden from the club's famed La Masia academy into the first team at the start of last season.
However, his chances of a breakthrough campaign in Hansi Flick's debut year in charge were dashed, after suffering an ACL rupture just two weeks into 2024/25.
That ended his season instantly, but the club quickly showed their faith in his recovery via a long-term contract, which includes a €500m [£434m/$583m] release clause.
His rehabilitation was completed over the summer and the 18-year-old dubbed as the 'new Sergio Busquets' is now back in Flick's plans.
Bernal cut a relaxed figure as part of an interview with Catalan outlet Diari ARA, discussing his friendship with fellow La Masia graduates Pau Cubarsi and Fermin Lopez, and labelling Frenkie de Jong as the player who has 'surprised him the most in training'.
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Alongside his firm response on De Jong, Bernal was also unflinching in naming the one player he would love to sign for Barcelona,
"If I could sign anyone for Barça, it would be Julián Álvarez and I'd also like to face him in a match," he said.
Alvarez has been sensational for Atletico Madrid following his 2024 move from Manchester City with 29 goals scored all competitions in 2024/25 - including two against Barcelona.
Despite rumoured links over Barcelona viewing the Argentinian as a 2026 replacement for Robert Lewandowski, Diego Simeone has no intention of selling his talisman, as Barcelona plan for life after their current No.9.
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