Spanish Laliga champions Barcelona appear to be shaken as 18-year-old midfielder Dro Fernandez has tendered a formal request to leave the club this winter.
La Masia, the academy of Barcelona, has been producing talented young stars consistently over the last three decades. Some of them have gone one to seal their place as regular first team players, while others have had to leave to get more playing time.
In this decade, players like Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, and many others have grown to become regulars for the first team. Also, there have been new kids on the block like Dro Fernandez.
The Spanish midfielder piqued the interest of coach Hansi Flick last season, and he was invited to join them for pre-season last summer.
The German tactician is a big admirer of Fernandez, and he has even given him minutes in the UEFA Champions League and the Laliga.
The Spanish midfielder has consistently been with the first team, as Flick believes he could become a top player in a few years. In fact, he fast-tracked Fernandez’s growth from Barca Juvenil to Barca Athletic.
However, according to ESPN FC on Friday, the 18-year-old submitted a transfer request, informing the club about his desire to leave.
Barcelona have a €6 million release clause, which could be easily triggered by most clubs in the top European leagues.
He is currently on the radar of Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, Manchester City and PSG. In fact, according to Fabrizio Romano, the youngster wants to leave Spain and will join a club in another top European league.
Reports from outlets close to Barcelona indicate that coach Flick is unhappy and disappointed with Fernandez’s decision, given the attention and assurances that he has given the youngster.
In the coming days, Fernandez’s next club will be revealed. However, it is highly unlikely that he will be a regular starter at any other club that he joins.
