Paris Saint-Germain is set to sign 18-year-old midfielder Dro Fernandez from Barcelona, a move described by Marca as a "perfect poaching" against the Spanish club. According to L'Equipe on 17/1, Dro will sign a contract with PSG until 2030, with the French side reportedly paying a release clause of approximately 7 million USD.

Dro was considered one of the most promising talents recently discovered by Barcelona. The midfielder had only played five first-team matches but impressed coach Hansi Flick. He assisted a goal in Barcelona's 6-1 victory over Olympiakos during his Champions League debut on 21/10/2025. Flick expressed disappointment regarding Dro's decision to leave in January. "Such things happen in football," he stated during a press conference on 17/1. "You may disagree, but these are 18-year-old players, mature and making their own decisions. And perhaps adults also instigate them. I have said enough."

Coach Hansi Flick gave Dro Fernandez his Champions League debut in Barcelona's victory over Olympiakos on 21/10/2025. Photo: DeFodi

Dro turned 18 on 12/1. Typically, when a player turns 18 and performs well, clubs sign new contracts with higher release clauses. Barcelona had done this with several recent stars, including Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi. However, with Dro, negotiations never even began before his departure was announced.

Born in Nigran, a city in northeastern Spain, Dro has a Spanish father and a Filipino mother. As a child, he played for a local youth team under Jose Antonio Covelo, a former Barcelona player. In 2022, Dro chose to join Barcelona's youth academy, turning down offers from Real Madrid and Betis.

This isn't the first time PSG has acquired a player from Barcelona. In 2017, the French club set a transfer record of 263 million USD to sign Neymar.

By Thanh Quy (according to Marca, L'Equipe)