Barcelona coach Hansi Flick warns La Masia teenager Dro Fernandez may leave in January, potentially weakening Barca’s youth depth. Punters should reassess markets: expect reduced attacking rotation and consider backing under 2.5 goals or a narrow Barca win in the short term; early bets on PSG or Dortmund boosting in January could also pay off.
Flick Wary as Teen Talent Dro Fernandez Prepares to Exit Barcelona
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed clear disappointment after reports that 18-year-old Dro Fernandez intends to leave the club in January rather than renewing his contract. With a €6 million release clause, the youngster has drawn interest from clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, prompting concern over the long-term depth emerging from La Masia.
Flick’s Message to La Masia Prospects
Flick stopped short of a full public confrontation but issued a firm message to Barca’s youth: players must commit “100 percent” to the club’s colours. He emphasised the opportunities Barcelona provides—training daily with world-class teammates and receiving club support—but warned that outside influences appear to be shaping some decisions.
Release Clause and Transfer Links
The teenager has featured eight times for the first team since his debut in September. His reported €6m release clause makes a January move plausible and has triggered speculation about where he might continue his development if he departs.
Flick: Young Players Are Free to Decide
Flick acknowledged the player’s right to choose while suggesting leaving Barcelona at this stage could be a mistake. He said he prefers to wait until any decision is finalized before commenting further, noting that at 18 players have advisors and the autonomy to make such calls.
Squad Decisions Under Review: Rashford and Ter Stegen
Rashford Loan Future Unresolved
Flick confirmed there is no immediate decision on making Marcus Rashford’s loan from Manchester United permanent. The England forward has impressed on Barcelona’s left flank after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, but any long-term move will be handled by the club and sporting director Deco.
Ter Stegen Poised to Seek Game Time
Veteran goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen appears likely to go on loan to Girona until season’s end after slipping down the pecking order behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny. Flick described it as the player’s decision and said the club will respect his wishes, acknowledging ter Stegen’s status as a long-serving captain and idol.
Injury Update and Match Preview
Raphinha Doubtful for Real Sociedad Trip
Heading into Sunday’s La Liga visit to Real Sociedad, Flick revealed winger Raphinha missed Saturday training with a knock and is doubtful for the game. That fitness uncertainty could affect Barcelona’s attacking threat and selection plans for the clash.
What This Means for Barca’s Short-Term Outlook
Dro Fernandez’s potential exit raises questions about Barca’s academy pipeline and squad rotation, while uncertainty over Rashford and ter Stegen could shape winter transfer moves. With Raphinha’s fitness in doubt, Barcelona may approach the Real Sociedad fixture with a more conservative selection, making tactical depth and immediate results the primary focus.
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Barcelona coach Hansi Flick showed his disappointment on Saturday after reports that talented teenager Dro Fernandez is poised to leave the club and said youngsters needed to "live for" the club's colours."These colours, you have to live for them, this is what I want to see.
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