It's official as of last night. After playing just five matches with FC Barcelona's first team, Dro Fernández has chosen to leave the Catalan club and join Paris Saint-Germain until 2030. To snatch the 18-year-old midfielder from the Blaugrana, the Parisians paid around €8.5 million, slightly more than the player's release clause (€6 million). This decision was primarily driven by tax considerations.
At Barça, Dro Fernández hadn't yet established himself in Hansi Flick's eyes, but the Blaugrana were less than thrilled to see a La Masia talent leave so quickly. Yesterday, the Spanish media attributed this decision to issues of playing time and the relationship between Luis Enrique and the player's agent, Ivan de la Peña. Now a PSG player, Dro Fernández will miss Wednesday night's Champions League match against Newcastle, but he might be available next weekend in Strasbourg. In the meantime, the Spaniard has given his first interview to the official website of the 2025 European champions.
Convinced by the Parisian project
This gave him the opportunity to explain his choice in broad terms. “I’m very happy, very excited. It’s a moment of great pride for me and for my family. I can’t wait to get started! It’s an important step. I’ve made the decision to continue growing as a player, and I think there’s no better place than here to continue growing. (The Paris project) That’s why I’m here. I think there’s no better place to grow, because the project that now exists with the young players here is incredible. It’s thanks to the coach and everyone who makes it possible. That’s why I’m here,” he said, before describing his playing style.
“I’m a creative player who likes to dictate the game by making good decisions and enjoying myself. I’m a quiet, down-to-earth, very family-oriented man who loves being with his loved ones. I obviously enjoy spending time with my family. I’m calm and easygoing. I also like being alone, and with the people I love, but I’m a calm man.” The introductions are out of the way; it’s now up to Dro Fernández to try and carve out a place for himself in a midfield where the competition is fierce (Vitinha, Neves, Ruiz, Zaïre-Emery, Mayulu), but PSG’s grueling schedule should give him a few opportunities to shine.