One confirmed exit and several unresolved situations have left Barça navigating a familiar balancing act.
FC Barcelona are used to conversations about patience when it comes to young midfielders. This winter, that patience is being tested from several angles at once.
The most jarring case is that of Dro Fernández. The 18-year-old has opted to trigger his €6m release clause this January, a move that caught those inside the Ciutat Esportiva off guard. His departure is particularly stinging because his trajectory under Hansi Flick was pointing upward. Flick took him on the preseason tour, handed him a senior debut, and trusted him with starts against high-level opposition like Atlético Madrid.
Flick was reportedly “furious” to learn of the decision. Recently, he said it was one of the biggest disappointments in his life, as Deco had been working behind the scenes to secure a renewal. But the outside interest proved too much, and the decision is already made. Dro has agreed a move to Paris Saint-Germain, bringing a swift conclusion to months of speculation.
Dro’s exit may not be the last for Barcelona’s midfielders. For Marc Casadó, the situation remains complicated. Despite being one of Flick’s early success stories, even earning a Spain call-up, the return of Frenkie de Jong has pushed Casadó to the side. The youngster’s role has shrunk. This season he has logged 871 minutes across 19 appearances, starting 10 times and being substituted at half time on two occasions.
Last summer, Barcelona were prepared to entertain a €30m offer from West Ham, only for Flick to intervene. Now, the player’s own stance has shifted.
According to Marca, Casadó is increasingly open to a move to protect his spot in Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad ahead of the World Cup. Atlético Madrid are watching closely. Flush with cash from the €40m sale of Conor Gallagher to Tottenham, Diego Simeone is looking for midfield reinforcements, and Casadó fits the profile.
Marc Bernal presents a more nuanced case. After losing a year to a cruciate ligament injury just as the Flick era began, his return in September has been handled with caution. With only 273 minutes across 12 appearances, Bernal was considered a potential candidate for a January loan. Girona emerged as a primary suitor.
However, a recent Copa del Rey start against Racing Santander may have changed things. Bernal played an hour, and despite the physical toll, the experience was enough to convince him he can still contribute at Barça. Mundo Deportivo reports that Bernal is now leaning toward staying.
De Jong and Pedri remain locked as the starters in the midfield two, plus there’s Gavi’s return in the long run. And with Fermín López and Dani Olmo vying for the spot behind the striker, a place also sometimes occupied by Raphinha, it’s not easy to get minutes there, either.
Having already lost one young midfielder to the transfer market, Barcelona will be eager not to lose any more.
Category: General Sports
