FC Barcelona will let one of the main jewels of its youth academy leave during this winter transfer window
The destination would be Paris Saint-Germain, the club where he is set to sign until 2030.
The "La Masia" conveyor belt has hit a major snag. Dro Fernández, one of FC Barcelona’s most promising young midfielders, is on the verge of concluding his time in the Catalan capital. The Galician-born playmaker, who celebrated his 18th birthday this past Monday, is reportedly finalizing a move to Paris Saint-Germain. According to reports from L’Équipe and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the youngster is set to sign a long-term contract with the French giants that will keep him at the Parc des Princes until 2030.
The operation has moved with lightning speed, catching the Barcelona board off guard. PSG has officially informed Barcelona that they will pay the player’s full release clause—a figure currently set at a bargain price of €6 million ($6.5M). While other European heavyweights like Chelsea and Manchester City were monitoring the situation, the influence of Luis Enrique proved decisive. The former Barça boss personally gave the order to secure Dro’s signature, viewing him as a perfect fit for PSG's new, youth-oriented identity.
Hansi Flick’s Frustration: A Public Call-Out
The news has not been well-received within the Barcelona locker room, specifically by head coach Hansi Flick. The German tactician, who personally handed Dro his first-team debut earlier this season, expressed his disappointment during a press conference ahead of the clash against Real Sociedad.
Flick, clearly uncomfortable with the situation, avoided naming the player directly but took aim at the people surrounding the teenager. "I won't speak until it’s official, but in football, things happen. These are young players making decisions, and there are adults around them making decisions too," Flick stated, visibly frustrated.
The coach didn't stop there. He sent a stern message to every academy player currently in the first-team dynamic:
"Barcelona is one of the best clubs in the world. Whoever wants to be here has to leave their skin on the pitch and defend these colors. If they don't, I don't want them."
The Failure of the "Yamal-Cubarsí" Model
For the Barcelona board, Dro’s exit represents a significant strategic failure. The club had a specific "road map" for Dro, identical to the ones used to secure the futures of Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí. This plan involves keeping players on a youth contract until they turn 18, at which point a massive "anti-sheikh" clause (usually €1 billion) is triggered alongside a substantial salary increase.
Dro Fernández was under contract until 2027, but by choosing to leave precisely as he reached the age of majority, he bypassed the club's attempt to lock him down. Losing a player of his caliber for just €6 million is seen as a financial and sporting blow, especially since he was viewed as a natural successor in a midfield that is currently being rebuilt.
Who is Dro Fernández?
Born Pedro Fernández Sarmiento in Nigrán, Galicia, "Dro" joined Barcelona in 2022. This season, he managed to clock 148 minutes across five official appearances for the senior squad. A creative midfielder with "dazzling feet" and a high footballing IQ, his ability to operate between the lines made him a favorite during the club's pre-season tour of the United States.
Barring a last-minute change of heart, Dro’s cycle in the Blaugrana shirt has ended. His move to Paris marks a new chapter in the rivalry between Barcelona and PSG, proving once again that despite Barça's prestige, the economic power and the lure of working with Luis Enrique remain a formidable threat to their youth academy.
