PSG Sign Dro Fernandez From Barcelona; Laporta Expresses Displeasure

Paris Saint-Germain announced the acquisition of young talent Dro Fernandez from Barcelona on Monday. The president of the Catalan club, Joan Laporta, expressed his displeasure over what he described as an “unpleasant” situation.

Laporta explained that Dro had previously agreed to a new deal with Barcelona but chose to leave instead.

“Paris Saint-Germain are delighted to announce the signing of Dro Fernandez,” stated PSG, the Ligue 1 champions.

The 18-year-old Spanish midfielder, who will wear the number 27, has signed a contract extending his stay in the French capital until 2030. This move aligns with the club’s sporting strategy, emphasizing youth and talent development.

While PSG did not disclose the transfer fee, Spanish media reported that

the club paid slightly more than Dro’s six-million-euro ($7 million) release clause as a goodwill gesture, citing a figure of 8.2 million euros.

“It has been an unpleasant situation,” Laporta told Catalunya Radio late on Sunday, prior to Dro’s departure.

“It came as a surprise because we had agreed on a different solution for when he turned 18. Surprisingly, his representative informed us that he couldn’t follow through on our agreement.”

Dro, originally from Galicia in Spain’s northwest, joined Barcelona’s renowned La Masia youth academy in 2022 and made eight appearances for the club.

“After nearly four unforgettable seasons, today I must make one of the most difficult decisions of my life: saying goodbye to the club that has been my home in recent years,” Dro wrote on Instagram.

Earlier in January, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed his disappointment over Dro’s decision to leave.

“What I want to say to the young players from La Masia is that we are Barca, one of the best teams in the world,” said the German coach, who gave Dro his debut in September 2025.

“We provide them with the opportunity to train with us and grow every day, alongside the best players in the world. We offer them support, believe in them, and give them confidence.

“If you want to play for Barca, you must give it 100 percent of your heart. This is the message I want to convey to everyone currently with us or joining us in the future.

“You must live for these colours. This is what I want to see. All others, I do not want. This is what I can say.”

(With Agency Inputs)