Paris Saint-Germain continues to build on the new faces joining the team for next season and has completed the signing of one of the best young central midfielders in Europe. At 18 years old, Spanish prospect Pedro Fernández, who everyone knows as Dro, signed with Paris Saint-Germain today, for the long term (until 2030). This is more than just another youth signing — it’s a statement by PSG to develop experience with homegrown level talent for many years to come — and that will certainly cause a stir in the transfer market across Europe.
According to Fabrizio Romano and PSG’s social media accounts, the fee paid for Dro is €8.2 million — higher than the €6m release clause in Dro’s Barcelona contract. That says a lot about how much PSG wants Dro and how important it was for PSG to remain on good terms with Barcelona regardless of all the negative buzz surrounding his departure.
A PROVEN LA MASIA PRODUCT READY FOR THE BIGGEST STAGE
Dro developed through the famous La Masia Academy of FC Barcelona, the same place where legendary footballers such as Messi, Xavi and Iniesta grew. Dro joined the senior squad of Barcelona last October and played five times, earning one assist. Playing every week in that loaded Barcelona midfield would have been difficult for anyone to get — too many quality players and too many other young talented players competing for the spots. Even though the coaches felt he had great potential, he wasn’t given consistent playing time.
But moving to PSG, is a whole different story for Dro. PSG have a great history of developing young players and are never shy of throwing them into big matches. With PSG in the midst of rebuilding their squad and looking towards the future, Dro can be a building block for the team, if he proves himself quickly.
Dro Fernández – dazn.com
WHAT DRO BRINGS TO THE TABLE
He has an abundance of positive attributes — he makes outstanding decisions quickly during high-pressure situations; he has great game vision and a true “team man” attitude. His skills will likely serve him well in the transition to Ligue 1 and its tempo — he should adapt fairly quickly. This will be a huge opportunity for him to demonstrate that he belongs at the highest level.
BARCELONA’S SIDE OF THE STORY
It has to hurt Barcelona to lose a product of La Masia, especially one with this much promise, so soon. It is a combination of financial realities (the club needs to make ends meet) and squad management (keeping the competition for positions intense while giving opportunities to youth). However, losing a talent of this caliber at such a young age brings back the debate about how much opportunity does Barça give to its own academy products before they seek opportunities elsewhere.
THE NEXT TEST — HOW FAST CAN HE ADAPT?
Now, all eyes are on Dro’s adaptation to life in Paris. The investment and the length of the contract means that PSG expects him to contribute significantly in the coming seasons. If he delivers, the €8.2 million price tag will appear to be a bargain; if he doesn’t, it will add fuel to the fire regarding Barça losing yet another young talent.
Dro Fernández – barcablaugranes.com
QUOTES AND INSIDER BUZZ
Both clubs’ official communications have been relatively subdued — however, insiders indicate that the communication was largely amicable. Dro expressed his gratitude to Barcelona for the opportunities provided to him by the academy and the first team — a classy gesture. According to insiders, Dro views PSG as the ideal platform to continue his development.
BIGGER PICTURE & HISTORY LESSON
This deal is simply the latest example of the fierce battle for the top young talents throughout Europe. PSG, despite having several big-name players, continue to invest in the future and create a base for many years to come. Dro has the opportunity to break-out and potentially become a leading figure at the club at some point in the future.
Yes, La Masia is a treasure trove of talent — but, in recent years we have witnessed more and more graduates leave early when they don’t receive first team minutes. PSG (and other clubs), are always keeping a close eye on the developments of these players.
