Barcelona President Joan Laporta Criticizes Dro Fernández’s Agent Over Midfielder’s Transfer to PSG

Joan Laporta, the president of FC Barcelona, has publicly expressed strong criticism towards Iván de la Peña, the agent of promising young midfielder Dro Fernández, following the player’s recent transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during the winter transfer window. Laporta accused De la Peña of betrayal and hypocrisy, describing the agent’s actions as a "stab in the back."

Dro Fernández, an 18-year-old midfielder who came through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, made the move to PSG in a deal reportedly worth eight million euros, which notably exceeded his release clause by two million euros. Since joining the French club, Fernández has featured in six matches, indicating that PSG has already begun integrating the young talent into their squad.

This transfer has become a sensitive issue for Laporta, especially as it comes just days before the upcoming Barcelona presidential elections, where Laporta is seeking re-election against challenger Victor Font. The departure of a homegrown talent like Dro Fernández is particularly significant given the club’s emphasis on nurturing youth players and maintaining squad continuity.

While Laporta directed his harshest words at Iván de la Peña—who also represents Spain’s national team coach Luis Enrique—he was careful to absolve PSG of any wrongdoing. The Barcelona president emphasized that the relationship between the two clubs remains positive and that the financial terms of the transfer were satisfactory. However, Laporta’s disappointment with De la Peña stems from the agent’s previous ties to Barcelona as a former player and the perceived lack of transparency during negotiations.

Laporta revealed that the transfer was also unwelcome within the Barcelona coaching staff, noting that head coach Hansi Flick had been providing playing time to Dro Fernández and presumably saw potential in the young midfielder’s development at the club. The president’s comments suggest that the move was not part of the club’s strategic plans and may have disrupted the squad’s progression.

Looking ahead, Barcelona will continue to focus on their presidential election and the broader implications for the club’s future transfer policies and youth development strategies. Meanwhile, Dro Fernández’s progress at PSG will be closely watched, as his integration into the Ligue 1 side could impact both his career trajectory and Barcelona’s long-term midfield options. The situation underscores the complexities involved in player representation and transfer negotiations, especially when they intersect with club politics and leadership transitions.