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PSG complete signing of Barcelona midfielder Dro Fernandez
Paris Saint-Germain have secured 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder Dro Fernandez on a contract until 2030, following a transfer that Barcelona president Joan Laporta described as "unpleasant". The deal, reportedly worth €8.2 million (£7.1 million), exceeds Fernandez's €6 million (£5.2 million) release clause.
Controversy surrounds departure
Fernandez's exit has sparked debate, as the young player had been expected to commit to a new contract with Barcelona. Laporta revealed the move came as a surprise, telling Catalunya Radio: "It has been an unpleasant situation. It came as a surprise because we had agreed on a different solution for when he turned 18. Surprisingly, his representative told us he couldn't follow through on what we'd agreed to."
Fernandez's journey at Barcelona
Joining Barcelona's La Masia academy in 2022, Fernandez made his senior debut in September and went on to feature five times for the first team, including an appearance in the Champions League against Olympiacos. His rapid rise had positioned him as a promising talent within the club's ranks.
PSG's statement and Fernandez's reaction
Paris Saint-Germain framed the signing as part of their strategy to invest in young talent. In a statement, the club said the move was "fully in line with the club's sporting strategy, which is heavily focused on youth and talent."
Fernandez expressed his excitement about the transfer, calling it "a moment of huge pride" and highlighting PSG's legacy. "It's a massive club that I've followed since I was a child and where some great legends have made history," he said. In an Instagram post, he added: "After nearly four unforgettable seasons, today I have to make one of the most difficult decisions of my life: saying goodbye to the club that has been my home in recent years."
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick's perspective
Earlier this month, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick weighed in on Fernandez's future, emphasizing the need for young players to fully commit to the club. "We give them the opportunity to train with us, to grow, every day, with the best players in the world," he said. "We give them the support, believe in them, the confidence."
"If you want to play for Barca, then [do it] 100% with your whole heart. These colours, you have to live for them. All the others I don't want."
Hansi Flick, Barcelona coach
Flick acknowledged that young players, including Fernandez, are old enough to make their own decisions but stressed the importance of dedication to the club's values.
