Football/ PSG sign Barcelona teenager Dro Fernandez amid contract dispute
Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder Dro Fernandez on a contract until 2030, in a move described as “unpleasant” by the Spanish club’s president, Joan Laporta.
The transfer, reportedly worth €8.2m, exceeds Fernandez’s €6m release clause—a premium PSG paid to “maintain good relations” between the clubs. The Spaniard, who made five senior appearances for Barça after graduating from La Masia, was expected to renew his contract with the Catalan side.
Laporta expressed surprise and disappointment, stating that an agreement had been in place for when the player turned 18.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick had recently emphasized the need for total commitment from young players, implicitly questioning the decision of Fernandez.
PSG highlighted the signing as part of a strategy “heavily focused on youth and talent.” Fernandez, who will wear the number 27 shirt, described joining the French champions as “a moment of huge pride,” acknowledging the difficulty of leaving Barcelona after four seasons.
The deal underscores the growing competition for elite young talent in European football and marks another high-profile departure from Barcelona’s academy system.
