Barcelona President Labels Fernandez Departure as 'Unpleasant' Situation
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly addressed the departure of young talent Dro Fernandez to Paris Saint-Germain, characterising the entire episode as decidedly 'unpleasant' for the Catalan giants. The 18-year-old's surprising decision to activate his own £5.1 million release clause and force a January transfer has left a bitter taste at the Camp Nou, concluding a saga that has disrupted the club's plans.
Flick's Frustration and Rashford's Revered Example
Manager Hansi Flick did not conceal his exasperation with the circumstances surrounding Fernandez's exit. When pressed on the matter prior to the transfer's completion, Flick offered a telling, restrained response. "Sometimes it's like that, that, yes, you do not agree with what they are doing, but they are 18, they are old enough to make decisions, they have people around them," he stated, before abruptly cutting off further comment: "Of course, when I see like...no, no, I don't want to talk anymore, it's enough."
In stark contrast, Flick spoke with genuine enthusiasm about the attitude and performance of on-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. The German manager explicitly held up Rashford's dedication as the perfect blueprint for what Barcelona's academy prospects should aspire to embody.
Rashford's Commitment Contrasts with Youth Exodus
"Marcus' performances have been really good until now," Flick affirmed, while also noting that discussions about a permanent move would be handled by sporting director Deco later in the season. He elaborated on the qualities he values, stating, "For me, of course with Marcus we have a player on the top level, but also with our situation, and what I appreciate a lot from him [is his desire to be here]."
Flick directed a pointed message towards the club's young talents, particularly those from the famed La Masia academy. "This is what I want to say to young players from La Masia: We are Barca and we are one of the best teams in the world. We give them the opportunity to train with us, to grow, to train with the best players in the world, the support and the confidence," he declared. "If you want to play with Barca, then it has to be 100% with your whole heart. This is what I want to say to everyone: 100%. These colours, you have to live for them. All the others, I don't want."
Laporta Reveals Broken Agreement and Fernandez's PSG Ambition
Providing the club's official perspective, President Laporta revealed deeper layers to the dispute. Speaking to Catalunya Radio, he explained, "We will talk when everything is finalised. It's been an unpleasant situation. We will be able to resolve this situation as planned, but it's been a surprise because we had agreed on a new solution with Dro when he turned 18, and surprisingly, his agent told us that he couldn't fulfil the agreement."
The teenage defender, who joined Barcelona at 14 and made a memorable Champions League debut with an assist in a 6-1 thrashing of Olympiacos, has now signed a long-term contract with PSG running until 2030. Following the transfer, Fernandez expressed his delight at joining the French champions. "I'm very happy and very proud to be joining Paris Saint-Germain," he said. "This is a moment of huge pride for me and for my family. PSG is a massive club that I've followed since I was a child and where some great legends have made history. Right now, I'm hugely excited and motivated to play and to give everything for this shirt."
The episode underscores a growing challenge for elite clubs in retaining their most promising academy products, while simultaneously highlighting the premium managers like Flick place on unwavering commitment, as exemplified by Marcus Rashford's current stint in Catalonia.
