Paris Saint-Germain have accomplished the signing of Barcelona‘s proficient teenager Dro Fernández after reaching an settlement to pay barely greater than his €6 million ($7 million) launch clause to the LaLiga aspect.
Fernández, 18, shocked Barça this month when he revealed his intention to depart the membership throughout January in quest of common soccer.
“I am very completely happy and really proud to be becoming a member of Paris Saint-Germain. This can be a second of giant pleasure for me and for my household,” Dro mentioned at his presentation with PSG. “I am vastly excited and motivated to play and to present all the things for this shirt.”
A number of Europe’s prime golf equipment have been focused on signing the teen, however PSG have gained the race for his signature, with the French membership’s coach, Luis Enrique, enjoying a key position in getting the deal over the road.
Sources advised ESPN that Luis Enrique, who shares an agent with Fernández in Iván de la Peña, spoke with the participant over the telephone and satisfied him to make the transfer to France.
Fernández’s resolution has not gone down properly with Barça coach Hansi Flick, who has proven numerous confidence within the attacking midfielder, who has been in contrast to Thiago Alcantara and Pedri.
Flick took Fernández, who joined Barça’s academy aged 14 in 2022, on the preseason tour of Asia final summer time, the place he scored within the win over Daegu FC, and has handed him his debuts in LaLiga and the Champions League this season.
Talking final weekend after Fernández had communicated his resolution to go away, Flick mentioned he didn’t need gamers who weren’t 100% dedicated and inferred that “individuals round” the participant had performed a serious position in influencing him.
Nevertheless, sources advised ESPN that Fernández doesn’t see a transparent pathway to first crew soccer at Barça, particularly as a part of Flick’s formation, which is basically 4-2-3-1, with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri on the base of the midfield.
In Flick’s system, Fernández’s finest position can be as a the No. 10, the place he has seen Fermín López, Dani Olmo and Raphinha hoover up the minutes, or doubtlessly extensive, however he would like to play as a No.8 finally.
And regardless of making 5 first-team appearances this season, he has solely performed 148 minutes, together with his final outing coming in its place towards Atlético Madrid on Dec. 2.
Like Flick, the membership have been stunned to be taught of Fernández’s resolution, sources advised ESPN, with the expectation that he would signal a brand new take care of an elevated launch clause as soon as he turned 18.
He celebrated his 18th birthday on Jan. 12, with teammate Raphinha giving him a cake on the flight again from the Spanish Supercopa ultimate in Saudi Arabia, however that may now show the final sight of him in Barça colors.
ESPN’s Julien Laurens contributed to this report.
