PSG Complete Signing of Teenage Prospect Dro Fernandez as Barcelona Voice Frustration

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the signing of highly rated teenage midfielder Dro Fernandez from Barcelona, a move that has left the Catalan club’s president Joan Laporta openly frustrated.

The Ligue 1 champions announced the deal on Monday, securing the 18-year-old on a long-term contract until 2030. Fernandez will wear the number 27 shirt at the Parc des Princes as PSG continue to underline their commitment to youth development.

“Paris Saint-Germain are delighted to announce the signing of Dro Fernandez,” the club said in a statement.
“The Spanish midfielder has committed his future to the club until 2030, a move fully aligned with our sporting strategy and strong focus on young talent.”

PSG did not disclose the transfer fee, but reports in Spain claim the French champions paid slightly more than Fernandez’s €6 million release clause as a goodwill gesture, with the total believed to be in the region of €8.2 million.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta admitted the transfer had come as a shock, revealing that the player had previously agreed to extend his stay at the club before changing course.

“It has been an unpleasant situation,” Laporta told Catalunya Radio.
“It was surprising because we had agreed on a different solution for when he turned 18. Unexpectedly, his representative informed us that he could not honour what had been agreed.”

Fernandez, who hails from Galicia in north-west Spain, joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy in 2022 and made eight senior appearances for the club. The midfielder announced his departure in an emotional message on social media.

“After almost four unforgettable seasons, today I have to make one of the most difficult decisions of my life,” Fernandez wrote on Instagram.
“Saying goodbye to the club that has been my home in recent years is not easy.”

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick had earlier expressed his disappointment at the teenager’s decision, using the situation to send a broader message to academy players.

“What I want to say to the young players from La Masia is that we are Barça — one of the best clubs in the world,” Flick said earlier this month.
“We give them the opportunity to train, to grow every day with the best players, and we give them support, belief and confidence.

“If you want to play for Barça, it has to be 100 per cent, with your whole heart. These colours must be lived. That is what I expect from everyone who is here now or will be here in the future.”

Fernandez becomes the latest young talent to depart La Masia amid increasing competition from Europe’s elite clubs, as PSG continue to strengthen their squad with an eye on the future.