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The "Barcelona-to-Como" pipeline is heating up again. On Friday, January 16, 2026, reports from Italy and Spain confirmed that Como 1907 have expressed concrete interest in signing Barcelona’s teenage sensation Marc Bernal on a six-month loan.
Como manager Cesc Fàbregas is reportedly personally driving the pursuit, hoping to use his legendary status at Barcelona to convince the Catalan giants that Lombardy is the perfect place for Bernal to rediscover his rhythm.
The Context: A Crucial Phase for Bernal
After missing a full year due to a devastating ACL injury sustained in August 2024, the 18-year-old midfielder has faced a "slow and steady" reintegration under Hansi Flick.
While Flick considers Bernal a "cornerstone" of his long-term project—evidenced by the €500 million release clause in his new contract—the lack of minutes since his return in September 2025 has forced the club to consider a temporary exit.
Bernal’s 2025/26 Season So Far: | Metric | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Appearances | 12 (mostly as a substitute) | | Total Minutes | 273' | | Starts | 3 (including a 60-minute shift vs Racing Santander) | | Current Status | Fully fit but low on match sharpness |
The "Fàbregas Factor" vs. Girona
Como face stiff competition from Girona, who are pushing hard to keep the player in Catalonia. However, Fàbregas offers a unique proposition:
Tactical Mentorship: As a former world-class midfielder, Cesc views Bernal as the "heir to Busquets" and wants to personally oversee his tactical development.
Guaranteed Minutes: Unlike Girona, who are in a high-pressure relegation scrap, Como are reportedly willing to guarantee Bernal a starting spot in the heart of their Serie A midfield.
The "Nico Paz" Success: Barcelona are closely watching how Nico Paz has thrived at Como under Fàbregas, making them more open to sending their top talents to the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.
The Decision: Stay or Go?
Following a 60-minute start in the Copa del Rey against Racing Santander on January 15, Bernal is reportedly torn.
The Stay Argument: The player felt "exhausted but delighted" with his start and believes Hansi Flick’s decision to play him for an hour is a sign that more minutes are coming at Barça.
The Loan Argument: Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is wary of the player's development stagnating behind Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong. A loan would ensure he returns in the summer of 2026 in "peak condition."
Mundo Deportivo (Jan 16, 2026): "Bernal has no intention of leaving unless the club explicitly asks him to. He believes in the Flick project, but the lure of Fàbregas and Serie A is the most tempting 'non-Spanish' offer on the table."
The Verdict: While Bernal’s preference is to stay, the pressure from Deco to ensure he gets 15+ starts before the end of the season might tip the scales in Como's favor. A final decision is expected after Barcelona's league game against Real Sociedad this weekend.