Barcelona’s Next La Masia Star Eyes Exit: The Athletic Reports

Barcelona recently celebrated a significant victory in the Supercopa de Espana against Real Madrid, showcasing their strong team spirit and unity. This triumphant moment coincided with the 18th birthday of Pedro Fernandez, affectionately known as Dro, who was honored with a cake during the team’s flight back home after the match.

However, just days after this joyous occasion, on January 12, 2026, Dro expressed his desire to leave the club in a meeting with head coach Hansi Flick. This unexpected decision stirred disappointment within the team, especially since Flick had invested considerable effort in developing the young talent.

Dro’s Rise at Barcelona

Dro’s journey with Barcelona began in the summer of 2022, when he joined La Masia, the club’s esteemed youth academy. Brought to the attention of Barca scouts playing for Val Minor, a prominent youth team in Galicia, he quickly progressed through the ranks. Flick recognized his potential and elevated him to the first team during the summer tour of Japan and South Korea.

In the current season, Dro has made five senior appearances across La Liga and the Champions League, accumulating a total of 148 minutes on the pitch. Known for his technical abilities and game intelligence, he has been described by teammates as a unique talent capable of creating opportunities for his side.

Challenges Ahead

Despite his promising start at Barcelona, Dro faces fierce competition for a spot in the first team. With established players like Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez, and Gavi in key positions, and other young talents such as Lamine Yamal making strides, opportunities may be limited for him. The club’s investment in talent has intensified competition, making it difficult for newcomers to secure long-term roles.

Possible Destinations

As Dro considers his exit, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is emerging as a strong contender for his signature. Chelsea has also shown interest, but under the guidance of Luis Enrique, PSG may present the most appealing project for him. Enrique’s reputation for nurturing young talent could play a crucial role in Dro’s decision.

La Masia’s Future

Dro remains on a basic academy contract with a €6 million release clause, a common situation for La Masia graduates. This clause limits Barcelona’s ability to negotiate a more lucrative deal, similar to situations faced by other academy players in the past. With an understanding that they cannot offer substantial contracts to every promising talent, Barcelona intends to focus on nurturing their existing talent pipeline through La Masia.

As Dro prepares to move on, the sentiment is mixed. Losing a player of his caliber for a modest sum is a hard blow, particularly given the emotional connection felt towards homegrown talents. However, the club remains confident in their youth development model, looking forward to the next generation of stars emerging from La Masia.

• Player: Pedro Fernandez (Dro)
• Position: Attacking Midfielder
• Age: 18
• Current Club: FC Barcelona
• Release Clause: €6 million
• Potential Clubs: Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea