FC Barcelona News: 6 April 2026 – Bernal Blow as Olmo Turns Down Saudi Millions

Barcelona, 6 April 2026 – FC Barcelona confirmed on Sunday that teenage midfielder Marc Bernal has sustained a left-ankle sprain during Saturday’s Liga clash with Atlético Madrid, an injury that will rule him out of both Wednesday’s return fixture against the same opponents and next week’s Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Metropolitano. The club’s medical bulletin added that centre-back Ronald Araújo has escaped unscathed and will be available for the mid-week meeting with Diego Simeone’s side.

The news is a significant setback for coach Hansi Flick, who had earmarked Bernal as the midfield anchor for the European tie after the 18-year-old’s rapid emergence this season. According to Mundo Deportivo, the player himself had been “pushing to be ready” for the continental decider, but scans have shown ligament damage that requires a period of rest and rehabilitation. No timeline for his return has been released.

While the first-team squad absorbs the loss of one emerging star, another reaffirmed his commitment to the club. SPORT reports that Dani Olmo has rejected a “multi-million” offer from the Saudi Pro League that would have catapulted him among the highest-paid Spanish footballers in history. Sources close to the negotiations describe the proposal as “astronomical,” but the 27-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined Barça from RB Leipzig in 2024, has opted to remain in Catalonia and continue his development under Flick.

On the pitch, Barcelona’s post-international-break form remains impressive. The senior side has collected seven wins and a single draw since players returned from national-team duty, keeping alive a title push on multiple fronts. The reserves also provided a morale boost on Saturday, as Barça Atlètic responded to an early UE Porreres equaliser by rattling in five unanswered goals to secure a 5-1 victory that lifts them further from the relegation zone in Primera Federación.

Elsewhere, Inter coach Cristian Chivu offered only cryptic remarks when pressed about the future of Alessandro Bastoni, the Italian centre-back long linked with a move to Camp Nou. Chivu defended the defender following his sending-off for Italy in Bosnia but refused to be drawn on whether Bastoni will still be a Nerazzurri player next season, leaving the door ajar for Barcelona’s sporting department to explore a summer approach.

With a congested schedule ahead and key personnel missing, Flick must now balance squad rotation and tactical tweaks as Barça chase progress in Europe and domestic supremacy.

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