Venezia secure Barcelona talent Toni Fernandez in Nico Paz style deal for 18-year-old

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Multiple reports confirm Venezia will sign Toni Fernandez from Barcelona for €4m, but own only 50 per cent and with a buy-back clause, similar to the Nico Paz move to Como.

With finances limited and squads stretched, we are seeing an increasing trend for big clubs to sell their young talents to smaller clubs, letting them develop with regular playing time, and in turn growing their value.

 

SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

It worked so well for Nico Paz when he went from Real Madrid to Como, and now Venezia are hoping to repeat the trick in a deal with Barcelona.

Toni Fernandez ready for Venezia

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 12: Toni Fernandez of FC Barcelona run with the ball during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on August 12, 2024 in Barcelona, ​​Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 12: Toni Fernandez of FC Barcelona run with the ball during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on August 12, 2024 in Barcelona, ​​Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Sport had already reported this afternoon that the negotiations were at an advanced stage, and now Marca and Fabrizio Romano confirm the full agreement has been reached.

Venezia will pay €4m to buy Toni Fernandez from Barcelona, but the Blaugrana retain both 50 per cent of the future sale, and a buy-back clause to ensure his future is in their hands.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 10: Toni Fernandez of FC Barcelona is challenged by Maximo Perrone of Como1907 during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Como1907 at Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 10: Toni Fernandez of FC Barcelona is challenged by Maximo Perrone of Como1907 during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Como1907 at Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The Spain Under-18 talent only celebrated his 18th birthday last month, full name Antonio Fernandez Casino, and has been in the Barcelona academy since 2018.

He plays in a trequartista role, but can also be a centre-forward, or a right-sided winger.

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