FC Barcelona has been rocked by the news that promising young midfielder Dr. Fernández (full name Pedro Fernández Sarmiento) has informed the club of his intention to leave during the January 2026 transfer window. The 18-year-old La Masia graduate, who has shown flashes of brilliance in limited first-team appearances, has reportedly decided to activate his low €6 million release clause. This move has stunned manager Hansi Flick and the Barcelona hierarchy, who viewed him as a key part of the club’s future.
In this article, we explore the main reasons behind Dro’s decision to seek an exit from Barcelona, based on recent reports from reliable sources like Diario Sport, ESPN, and Barca Blaugranes.
Dro Fernández’s Rise at Barcelona
Dro joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy in 2022 at the age of 14. He quickly progressed through the youth ranks, earning a call-up to the first team for pre-season in 2025. During tours in Japan and South Korea, he made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut as a substitute.
Under Hansi Flick, Dro made his competitive breakthrough in the 2025/26 season:
- He featured in five first-team appearances.
- He provided one assist (notably in the Champions League).
- He became one of the youngest players to assist in Europe’s premier competition.
Despite this promise, his minutes have been limited, with his last appearance coming in early December 2025 against Atletico Madrid.
Main Reasons Why Dro Wants to Leave Barcelona
According to the report, Dro’s choice stems from a realistic assessment of his future at the club. Here are the primary factors:
- Belief He Won’t Succeed at Barcelona The core reason is his conviction that he “will not be able to succeed at Barcelona.” He feels the path to consistent success and development is blocked.
- Lack of Regular Playing Time Since integrating into the senior setup, opportunities have been sparse. Even during injuries to key players like Gavi and Pedri, he struggled to break through.
- Intense Competition in Midfield Positions are highly contested, with talents like Fermín López and Dani Olmo ahead in similar roles (particularly the creative No. 10 spot). Transitioning between Barça Atlètic (the reserve team) and the first team has proven difficult.
- High Personal Standards and Ambition Dro is described as self-demanding, believing he can compete at the elite level. Staying at Barcelona feels like it would limit his growth and chances to shine regularly.
The decision wasn’t impulsive—he informed coach Hansi Flick and the club after careful consideration. While grateful for the opportunities provided, he views leaving as the best move for his career progression.
Hansi Flick’s Reaction: “Biggest Disappointment”
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has reportedly been left “stunned” and described Dro’s decision as the “biggest disappointment” of his time at the club. Flick rated the youngster highly and gave him chances in the Champions League and other competitions. The coach reportedly learned of the decision directly from Dro, highlighting the emotional impact on the coaching staff.
Despite Barcelona’s efforts to retain him (including late attempts to convince him to stay), the player, his family, and agents are now evaluating offers to decide his next destination.
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