Is Dro Fernández The Next Xavi Simons? PSG’s Bold Move And Barcelona’s Disappointment Explained

Paris Saint-Germain appear set to make another significant move in their youth-first recruitment strategy, with Dro Fernández reportedly on the brink of joining the reigning UEFA Champions League winners.

‎According to L’Équipe, the 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder has signed a contract with PSG running until 2030, with the French giants activating the €6 million release clause in his deal. The report notes that PSG “acted decisively” to secure the signing.

‎Additional reporting from Sky Sport Germany’s Florian Plettenberg indicates that both Luis Enrique and club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi played a major role in convincing Fernández to choose Paris, with a medical expected soon.

‎But as excitement builds around PSG’s latest acquisition, so do the questions.

‎Is Dro Fernández the Next Xavi Simons?

‎Whenever PSG signs a young talent from Barcelona, comparisons quickly surface and this case is no different.

‎Robin Bairner, chief editor at Football Transfers, voiced his concerns on the latest Ensemble PSG podcast, drawing parallels to the departure and turbulent development arc of former PSG and La Masia youth star Xavi Simons.

‎Bairner explained, “But the way he kind of forced his way out of Barcelona or the way he’s leaving Barcelona, there’s kind of echoes of Xavi Simons there, and that concerns me a little bit.”

‎“It’s not a side of his character that I had heard about, but we know about Simons from his time at PSG, and not necessarily the trouble that he caused. But you know, there was a bit of unrest there in the end, and even the way he ended up leaving Leipzig last summer was sort of full of red flags.”

‎For Bairner, the core question revolves around Fernández’s attitude and readiness for a major leap.

‎“You have to be quite brash and quite bold to go to Barcelona and say, ‘Yeah, I’m leaving you.’ … They’re not a club that you leave lightly. So it’ll be interesting to see how that side of his character develops and what sort of impression we get on him over the next six or 18 months as his PSG career hopefully grows and flourishes.”

‎Flick’s Cautious Silence and Barcelona’s Frustration

‎Back in Catalonia, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has chosen his words carefully. Still navigating a transitional period after recent departures, Flick avoided outright criticism but left little doubt about his disappointment.

‎Before Sunday’s league defeat to Real Sociedad, Flick said, “I don’t want to answer, because as a coach we give energy and confidence to the players, so that they develop. But there are people around him.

‎”I want to wait until it’s done. If they say, ‘Now I go to another club,’ then ask me again. But not now.”

‎“The situation today is that the player is here. Dro’s [transfer] is not closed, I don’t want to answer [questions about it].

‎”Things happen in football. Sometimes you may disagree with what [young players] are doing, but they are 18, they are old enough to make decisions.

‎”And some adults can incite them. I don’t want to talk more, I’ve said enough.”

‎The implication was clear: Flick believes the teenager’s head has been turned, perhaps by advisors, perhaps by the promise of a bigger role elsewhere.

‎Reports in Spain even suggest that Luis Enrique personally convinced Fernández that he would feature more prominently in Paris than he currently does at Barcelona.

‎Fernández has made five La Liga appearances this season, along with a Champions League start in which he provided an assist in Barcelona’s 6–1 win over Olympiacos.

‎Despite his promise, he is said to have grown frustrated with what he sees as a lack of involvement in the first team.

‎Balde Urges Respect

‎While Flick’s reaction was guarded and tinged with disappointment, left-back Alejandro Balde offered a more balanced, compassionate response when asked about his teammate’s potential departure.

‎Balde said, “Every player has their career and thinks differently. Decisions must be respected. I wish him the best.”

‎“I’m sure he will do very well, because he has a lot of quality. I got along very well with him, he’s a great guy. I hope everyone respects his decision.”

‎Barcelona Hoping for €10m Goodwill Fee

‎Although PSG activated Fernández’s €6m release clause, it is understood that Barcelona are hoping PSG will pay a €10m fee as a goodwill gesture, perhaps signaling the club’s frustration at losing an academy graduate for such a modest amount.

‎If completed, Fernández would become Barcelona’s second first-team departure of the month, following goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s unexpected loan move to Girona.

‎What PSG Are Getting and What They Risk

‎From PSG’s perspective, signing Dro Fernández fits their ongoing project, building a young, technically gifted core that can develop under Luis Enrique’s progressive system.

‎Fernández has excellent ball control, ownership of multiple midfield roles, a La Masia–shaped understanding of possession football, and confidence on the ball beyond his years.

‎However, as Bairner warned, the psychological dynamics and career management aspects of this move may matter as much as the on-field fit.

‎Is Fernández an ambitious young player ready for a bigger stage? Or could this become another Xavi Simons scenario, where rapid rises, quick exits, and complicated loan spells overshadow the talent?

‎The next six to 18 months, as Bairner suggested, will provide the first real answers.