Roma Target Barcelona Teenager Touted as Sergio Busquets Heir Amid Betis Interest

La Masia graduate Marc Bernal attracting interest from Roma and Betis after injury-hit breakout season

It’s never easy being dubbed the heir to a legend—especially when that legend is Sergio Busquets, a man who quietly defined an era of Barcelona and Spain’s midfield dominance. But that’s exactly the kind of expectation 18-year-old Marc Bernal has been carrying since his first touches in La Masia’s famed corridors. And despite a cruel injury cutting short what looked like a dream debut season, Europe’s top clubs are circling.

This summer, Roma have made their interest clear, with reports in Italy claiming the Serie A side have already opened talks about a possible move for Bernal. Yet they won’t have a clear run. Real Betis are also considering a transfer bid, hoping to convince the youngster to stay in Spain and continue his development in La Liga. Either way, it seems the teenager’s future may lie away from the Camp Nou.

From La Masia Promise to Early Breakthrough

Born and raised in Catalonia, Bernal has been on Barcelona’s radar from a young age, joining La Masia as a child and rising through the ranks with a calm authority and technical grace reminiscent of Busquets himself. Tall, composed, and positionally intelligent, Bernal is a holding midfielder in the classical Spanish mold—less about flashy footwork and more about rhythm, control, and seeing two steps ahead.

When he was named in the starting XI for Barcelona’s 2024-25 La Liga opener against Valencia, it felt like a symbolic moment. A new chapter. A chance for the club to finally replace what they lost when Busquets moved on. Bernal’s performance was mature beyond his years—he didn’t look out of place among more seasoned pros and quickly followed it up with two more consecutive starts.

Then disaster struck.

ACL Injury Derails a Promising Start

FC Barcelona v AS Monaco – Trofeu Joan Gamper

Just three matches into his professional career, Bernal suffered a devastating cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign. For any player, it’s a nightmare. For an 18-year-old still finding his feet at the elite level, it’s a crushing blow.

But while the setback was significant, it did little to dampen the enthusiasm of scouts who had been watching him long before his first-team debut. And as he continues his recovery, the transfer rumours are only heating up.

Roma, now under the stewardship of Gian Piero Gasperini, are building a new-look squad with a strong emphasis on youth and technical ability. Having already wrapped up deals for Evan Ferguson from Brighton and Neil El Aynaoui from Lens, they are also close to completing the signing of Flamengo defender Wesley. Adding Bernal to that mix would signal a clear intention: a rebuild not just for now, but for the next five years.

Why Roma Want Him

It’s no secret Gasperini values midfielders who can dictate tempo and recycle possession with intelligence. In that regard, Bernal fits the mould perfectly. At 18, he’s already earned comparisons to one of the best holding midfielders of all time, and his skill set—short passing, spatial awareness, calm under pressure—is tailor-made for Serie A, where tactical discipline often separates the good from the great.

Roma’s midfield has often lacked a true metronome since the departure of Daniele De Rossi. Bernal might not bring the same bite or aggression, but he could provide something equally valuable: control.

What’s more, a move to Rome could be exactly what the teenager needs after such a tough year. A new environment, fresh challenges, and a coach who clearly believes in youth development could help him reset and rediscover his rhythm away from the intense spotlight of the Camp Nou.

Betis Lurking in the Background

Still, Barcelona haven’t made a firm decision on Bernal’s future. While the club continues to navigate financial uncertainty, letting go of a La Masia product who was starting to break through may not sit well with fans or those behind the scenes who view him as a long-term solution.

That’s where Real Betis enter the picture. The Andalusian club has quietly developed a reputation for nurturing young talent, particularly midfielders. The idea of Bernal staying in Spain, staying in La Liga, and playing in a system where he’d be trusted and valued, could be appealing to both player and parent club—especially if Betis offer a favourable loan or buy-back structure.

Betis are expected to make a formal approach once Bernal’s recovery is closer to completion, but they’re watching closely. In fact, they’ve reportedly been admirers of his since his days in the Spain U17 squad.

Barcelona’s Midfield Picture Could Complicate Things

For all the admiration, though, Bernal’s path to the Barcelona first team is far from straightforward. With Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi (once fit), and the experienced Ilkay Gündogan all ahead of him in the pecking order—and more midfielders likely to arrive this summer—it’s not obvious where or when Bernal might get the consistent minutes he needs.

That reality might force the club into a decision: either commit to a long-term plan that includes Bernal at the heart of it, or let him go somewhere he can grow, either on loan or permanently with a buy-back clause.

Whichever route they choose, Barcelona fans will watch closely. La Masia graduates don’t come along every day, and letting one go too early has backfired before.

A Big Decision for a Big Talent

Ultimately, Bernal and his representatives have a choice to make. Stay in Catalonia and hope for another shot at breaking through? Or take the leap abroad and start fresh in Rome or Seville, at clubs ready to build a team around his potential?

There are no easy answers, but one thing is certain: Marc Bernal remains one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe, and being mentioned in the same breath as Busquets is no small compliment. The coming weeks will be crucial—not just for Bernal’s future, but for whichever club wins the race to sign him.

Because once he’s fit and firing again, they might just have landed a gem.