Barcelona have reportedly begun signing the documents to extend midfielder Marc Bernal's contract until 2029.
The 17-year-old is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ACL injury, but he had seemingly established himself in the Barca first team, despite his tender age.
After impressing new manager Hansi Flick in pre-season, playing in all four of Barca's friendlies, Bernal started the first three games of the new La Liga season.
Alongside fellow La Masia product Marc Casado in the engine room, Bernal helped Barca to three wins from three in those games, before his unfortunate injury.
Barca close to tying Bernal down to long-term deal
© Imago
The Barca hierarchy have evidently seen enough though, and are set to hand Bernal a new bumper, long-term contract.
Fabrizio Romano claims the documents are being readied for Bernal to sign on for a further five years, with a formal announcement expected in due course.
Despite being valued at just €1m (£830,000) by Transfermarkt, a release clause of €500m (£416.5m) is to be included in the new contract, to ensure that the player remains a Barcelona player should he attract interest from elsewhere.
As is customary in Spain, employment laws mean players are almost always given release clauses in their contracts, but as is the case here, they are often way over market value to deter any clubs from poaching their assets.
La Masia graduates making an impact at Barcelona
© Imago
La Masia is often famed as the world's greatest academy, having produced players such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Carles Puyol, and the conveyor belt is still rolling.
Bernal is one of a number of La Masia graduates who have broken through in recent years, and this new influx of talent could not have come at a better time for the club.
It is no secret that the Catalan giants have suffered from serious financial difficulties in recent years, struggling to register players, pay wages, and compete with other elite clubs in the transfer market.
The obvious man of the moment at present is Lamine Yamal, whose breakout tournament at Euro 2024 has catapulted him to superstardom, while fellow youngsters Pau Cubarsi, Gavi and Pedri have also shown their capabilities at performing at the highest level.
Not only do their breakthroughs give Barcelona valuable assets, it also means they do not have to put further strain on their sparse pockets to strengthen the squad.
Flick has had a profound impact since arriving at the club, as Barca sit four points clear at the top of La Liga, following seven wins from seven.
Andrew Delaney
