Barcelona may be linked with the odd midfielder or two in the transfer market, but two of the most important names in the position for Hansi Flick may already be in the squad.
Gavi and Marc Bernal are heading into the 2026/27 season with a very different feeling. After two difficult seasons shaped by injury management, the duo now have a chance to become mainstays for Flick.
In fact, according to SPORT, Flick has full confidence in both players and expects them to take a step forward next season.
With Bernardo Silva set to sign for Real Madrid, Gavi and Bernal are being viewed internally as key pieces to strengthen the midfield.
Both players embody the spirit of Barcelona to a T. The club do not only need talent in midfield, they need intensity, personality and, more importantly, availability.
Gavi ready to feel like himself again
Slowly returning to his best. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images)
Gavi’s season was dominated by his recovery from a serious knee problem. That said, his final few months offered a lot of encouragement. He returned in March after undergoing knee surgery and gradually recovered confidence, rhythm and importance.
By the end of the campaign, he was starting major matches, including the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.
His versatility also helped Flick. Gavi featured deeper in midfield and even started a couple of matches from the left, showing again that his value goes beyond one fixed position.
All this earned him a call-up to the World Cup with Spain, and Barça will be hoping he can have a good showing with La Roja.
Bernal has a huge pre-season ahead
Bernal’s case is different from Gavi’s. The 19-year-old was handled carefully after his long knee injury and later had an ankle issue in the final stretch of the season.
Even so, when he was available to play, he reminded everyone why Barcelona rate him so highly.
Set for a prominent role next season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
There was a phase in the season when Pedri and, subsequently, Frenkie de Jong were injured, and Bernal stepped up and performed admirably.
At 1.93 metres, Bernal offers something rare in Barcelona’s midfield: physical presence combined with technical quality.
He also showed last season that he has an eye for goal. A very unique midfield profile, Bernal is one of the most exciting talents to come through La Masia in recent times.
Because he is not at the World Cup, Bernal can begin pre-season from day one. That could be a major advantage.
Flick’s message is clear. For him, Bernal and Gavi are not backup options in midfield, and he has huge plans for them next season.
