Paris Saint-Germain have completed the signing of Barcelona teenager Dro Fernandez.
The Parisians have secured one of La Masia’s most highly rated prospects after agreeing a fee in excess of his €6 million (£5.2m) release clause.
The 18-year-old arrived in the French capital on Sunday night, ending a turbulent few weeks that have left Barcelona frustrated and disappointed.
While his buyout clause stood at €6m, PSG reportedly paid more than €8m (£6.9m) as a gesture of goodwill to a deal that nonetheless angered senior figures at the Catalan club.
Considered one of the standout midfielders of his age group in Spain, Fernandez joined Barcelona’s academy at 14 and quickly rose through the ranks.
His technical quality and press resistance earned comparisons to Thiago Alcantara and Pedri, and he was viewed internally as a long-term first-team option.
Manager Hansi Flick had placed clear faith in the midfielder, taking him on Barcelona’s pre-season tour of Asia last summer. Fernandez scored against Daegu FC.
He later made his senior debuts in both La Liga and the Champions League, appearing five times and totalling 148 minutes.
Despite those signs of trust, Fernandez informed Flick in January of his desire to leave in search of more regular football.
The decision reportedly came just days after his representatives had appeared to agree a new contract with Barcelona, due to be signed following his 18th birthday.
Flick did little to hide his frustration when asked about the situation earlier this month, pointing to the influence of agents and advisers around young players.
Club president Joan Laporta later described the move as unpleasant, admitting Barcelona felt blindsided by the timing of the decision.
Fernandez will reunite with Luis Enrique at PSG, whose 4-3-3 system could be a more natural fit for his profile.
The French champions hope the move will accelerate the development of a midfielder many people in Spain believe is destined for the very top.
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