Barcelona director explains truth behind Dro’s exit and Flick’s reaction: ‘One more case like many others’ | OneFootball

Barcelona sporting director Deco has spoken openly about the departure of young attacking midfielder Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, who left the club during the January transfer window to join Paris Saint-Germain.

The youngster’s exit generated a lot of attention, especially because he was seen as one of the promising talents coming through the system. 

Notably, Dro had asked for a transfer in the winter window, and the situation developed quickly, leading to his move to France.

Transfer from Barcelona’s perspective

Deco explained that the club had been working closely with the player and trying to find the best path for his development, but sometimes decisions happen beyond the club’s control.

“He decided to leave the club. There is no club like Barça and he is not the only one who has left.

“We spend two or three hours every day with the players, but we’re not inside their heads. We try to do what’s best for Dro at all times. 

“He was a player who wasn’t playing for the youth team, and we tried to get him some playing time because we believed he could make a difference. 

“He earned the chance to train with the first team because Flick liked him. He’s a player who could be in the youth team playing in the Youth League because that’s where he belongs for his age. 

“However, I think the news has been blown out of proportion because he was a player who was part of the first team dynamic. It’s just one more case like many others that have happened.”

Flick’s reaction

The sporting director also admitted that contractual timing played a major role in the transfer. 

“He had a clause and we didn’t manage to renew in time. We had an agreement with his agent that we would sit down to negotiate his renewal when the player turned 18. 

“After that, things moved quickly and there’s nothing more to say.”

The departure also upset head coach Hansi Flick, who had taken a liking to the youngster during training sessions. 

Deco acknowledged the coach’s reaction, stressing that it was a natural response from someone who works closely with young players.

“It’s normal. The coach is there day in and day out, and he cares about the players. He is very close to the young players. 

“But I think it’s a normal reaction from someone who was close to him, who saw his potential and wanted to look after him. But that’s football, and that’s the way it is,” he explained.