English Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City are among the frontrunners to sign Barcelona youngster Dro Fernandez, who wants to leave Spain this month.
The La Liga champions had been hoping to offer the attacking midfielder, who turned 18 earlier in the week, a long-term contract and increase his €6 million release clause. However, they were stunned when the Spain U18 international submitted a transfer request, signaling his intent to leave the club.
Fernandez, who joined Barcelona in 2022 as a 14-year-old steadily progressed through the youth team and has made only five appearances for Hansi Flick’s side across all competitions this season.
According to reports from Talksport, Chelsea and Manchester City are among four clubs who are pushing to sign the youngster this month. The 18-year-old’s €6 million release clause should not be a difficulty for both English clubs.
The Blues had previously indicated that they would not conduct any transfer business this month, but have since changed course and have intensified efforts to sign French defender Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. Both players fit the profile valued by the club, although the London club face stiff competition for their signatures.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have been active in the transfer window and have already completed the signing of Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth. The Cityzens are also close to finalizing a deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. The opportunity to play under Pep Guardiola should excite Fernandez, although he could face limited playing time due to the intense competition for places in the team.
Barcelona will allow the attacking midfielder leave this month to avoid losing him for free, but whichever club secures the signature of the 18-year-old will be getting an extremely talented player at a very affordable price.
