Dro Fernandez’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain has still not been accepted in Catalonia. Between a statement deemed clumsy, internal tensions and the feeling of failure in managing young players, the departure of the Masia prodigy continues to leave its mark on FC Barcelona.
Despite its image as a training club, FC Barcelona is going through a period of silent soul-searching. The departures of young talents, rarely publicised but heavily felt internally, raise questions about the club’s ability to retain its most promising players. The departure of Dro Fernandez (18) is part of this dynamic.
A statement that reignites tensions
Shortly after arriving in the French capital, the attacking midfielder justified his choice by saying he wanted to continue his development, claiming that there was no better place to do so than Paris, where Luis Enrique has a reputation for promoting young players. A seemingly innocuous statement, but one that immediately provoked negative reactions in Catalonia, where it was interpreted as a direct challenge to the very identity of the club.
In the local press, several observers pointed out that the playmaker had already had a taste of La Liga and the Champions League with FC Barcelona – only 149 minutes over five matches this season – and that the club continues to launch some of its talents very early on. In this context, Dro’s comments were perceived as a symbolic disavowal, fuelling an already existing unease surrounding the management of young players.
A departure that was poorly received internally
Within the Catalan club, the player’s decision was logically met with real frustration. The management believed it had laid the foundations for a long-term future together, while the transfer fee of around €9 million, considered low for a pure product of La Masia, reinforced the feeling of a missed opportunity. Joan Laporta himself acknowledged his surprise and disappointment at an outcome he had not anticipated.
The case also left a fairly deep mark in the Barcelona dressing room. According to the Spanish press, Gavi expressed his incomprehension, convinced that Dro could have benefited from more time and confidence to establish himself at Barcelona. This reaction is indicative of a wider unease, with several young players closely watching the career paths offered by the Spanish champions.
