Chelsea and Everton were reportedly keen on signing 18-year-old Spanish midfield sensation Marc Bernal from Barcelona in the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea and Everton were interested in Marc Bernal in the summer transfer window. The Premier League clubs were among seven suitors for the Spanish midfielder’s signature before a deal failed to materialise, and they could not secure his services despite submitting enquiries to Barcelona.

Marc Bernal and his career so far

Marc Bernal has established himself as one of the best young prospects in La Liga since rising in prominence at FC Barcelona. A native of Berga, the teenage midfield sensation is primarily a holding midfielder but can play as a centre-back and a central midfielder. The Spaniard began his youth career at CE Berga and spent a year at Gimnastic Manresa before graduating from the academy at FC Barcelona.

The 18-year-old enjoyed his first-team breakthrough at the onset of the 2024/25 season before a long-term knee injury ended his campaign prematurely. Bernal has made three appearances thus far for Barcelona, and he hopes to become a regular under Hansi Flick once he returns from his spell on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, the Spanish midfield sensation has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs despite managing only three appearances thus far for Barcelona. Chelsea and Everton were among seven suitors that wanted to secure Bernal’s signature in the summer transfer window.

A man in demand

Chelsea’s interest in Marc Bernal was understandable. While Andrey Santos has been impressive under Enzo Maresca since returning from his loan spell with RC Strasbourg, the Chelsea manager could have done with another option apart from Santos, Enzo Fernandez, and Moises Caicedo. So, the Spaniard was a viable target for the West London club.

As for Everton, the Merseyside outfit lost Abdoulaye Doucoure as a free agent. While James Garner and Idrissa Gueye have been top-notch under David Moyes, the latter is in the twilight of his career. So, Everton could have done with a new holding midfielder in the summer transfer window, making Bernal an appealing target.

Apart from Chelsea and Everton, AS Roma, Brighton & Hove Albion, Girona, Real Betis, and Valencia were also keen on signing the 18-year-old Spanish midfield sensation. However, with Barcelona keeping the youngster at the club despite his fitness issues, a future move may not materialise either.