OFFICIAL: PSG snap up Barcelona wonderkid Dro Fernandez, Joan Laporta reveals ‘unpleasant’ reason

The French giants confirmed that the central midfielder, who celebrated his 18th birthday on January 12, has committed his future to the Parc des Princes until the summer of 2030. 

In a notable move to maintain good relations, PSG did not simply trigger the player's 6 million euro release clause. Instead, they agreed to pay an additional 2.5 million euros to compensate Barcelona for current inflation rates in Spain, bringing the total package to 8.5 million euros.

Fernandez has now completed all necessary formalities to become PSG’s first signing of the January transfer window. Upon his arrival, the club revealed he will wear the number 18 shirt. In his first official interview, the player born in 2008 expressed his deep excitement about joining the reigning Champions League winners. 

"I am very happy and very proud to be joining Paris Saint-Germain. This is a moment of huge pride for me and for my family," Fernandez stated. "I am hugely excited and motivated to play and to give everything for this shirt."

However, for Barcelona, losing a prodigy who was central to their long-term project alongside Lamine Yamal is a significant blow to the club’s pride. According to reports from The Athletic, the Barcelona board had held numerous private meetings with Fernandez’s representatives to finalize a new contract immediately after he turned 18. Although his previous deal ran until 2027, his sudden departure has left the Catalan club in a state of shock.

Before the official announcement, President Joan Laporta expressed his frustration to the media, accusing the player’s agents of orchestrating the exit. 

"We will speak when it's all done, it has been an unpleasant situation," Laporta told Catalunya Radio. "It came as a surprise because we had agreed on a different solution for when he turned 18. Surprisingly, his representative told us he couldn't follow through on what we'd agreed to."

This sentiment followed a clear display of disappointment from head coach Hansi Flick earlier in January. Flick, who handed the youngster his senior debut, emphasized the importance of commitment. 

"If you want to play for Barca, then do it 100 percent with your whole heart," Flick said. "We give them the opportunity, the support, and the confidence. These colors, you have to live for them. All the others I don't want."

Fernandez originally joined La Masia in 2022, undergoing 3 years of elite training before making his first-team debut in September 2025 during a friendly match, where his vision and passing immediately impressed scouts. 

He later made his official La Liga debut in October 2025 against Getafe. Most notably, he made his Champions League debut against Benfica in November 2025, becoming one of the youngest midfielders in the club's history to feature in the competition.