Barcelona’s ‘next Yamal’ Dro Fernandez is set to leave the club in a surprise move and is attracting interest from the giants.
Chelsea and Manchester City are two of the teams leading the race for the 18-year-old, with Borussia Dortmund also interested, The Pitch Prospect learns.
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There is also firm interest from France in Fernandez, who has confirmed he will leave Barca in the January transfer window.
His current contract contains a €6m (£5.1m) release clause, which is expected to come into effect very soon.
The attacking midfielder will not be staying in Spain, providing a major boost to the three major European clubs eyeing his signing.
Fernandez made his breakthrough into Barcelona’s first team under Hansi Flick this season, playing a total of five games.
Four of those came in La Liga, the other in the Champions League when he started against Olympiacos Piraeus in October.
He provided an assist for Fer Lopez in that game, which was his only goal contribution for the Spanish giants.
Since that game, however, he has not been in the starting line-up and has come off the bench twice for cameo appearances.
The Spanish youth international came through the famous La Masia academy, following players like Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.
Fernandez has risen through the ranks and is the latest star to hit the headlines at Barcelona.
But his journey with the club will come to an early end and a move to the Premier League or Bundesliga may be on the cards.
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Flick left frustrated
It’s fair to say that Barcelona coach Flick isn’t particularly pleased with Fernandez’s decision to leave the club.
His decision to move on leaves the German in disbelief.
According to Spanish broadcaster SPORT, Flick was informed of Fernandez’s departure on Friday.
And it is said to have “particularly annoyed” him that he would lose a player who was important for the present and future.
He reportedly told family members that Fernandez’s departure was “the biggest disappointment” of his life.
Flick has taken special care of the teenage sensation but will now have to watch him leave his squad once the deal is completed.
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The next Yamal?
Fernandez is considered by many to be the next Jamal and his reputation has been built over his years at Barcelona.
However, he will take a different path than the 2025 Ballon d’Or runner-up and make a change elsewhere.
Like Fernandez, Yamal came through La Masia but has now made 88 first-team appearances and become a superstar.
The 18-year-old is also the most valuable player in the world.
Fernandez plays a similar role to Yamal and was expected to be the next in the Barca pipeline to reach his peak.
But now he must do so outside Spain, and several European giants will be hoping his rise continues with them.