PSG look to sign FC Barcelona youngster Dro

PSG look set to sign Dro, or to use his full name, Pedro Fernández Sarmiento, an 18 year old La Masia graduate who first signed for the Catalan giants aged 15 in 2022. Dro has featured both in attacking midfield and at left wing for Barcelona’s youth teams, and will no doubt rapidly be integrated into PSG’s squad as one of their attacking options, given Luis Enrique’s penchant for trusting young players and integrating them rapidly into the first team.

PSG set to sign FC Barcelona wonderkid Dro

The youngster made an impact playing in youth and reserve sides at Barcelona, eventually breaking into the first team over last summer’s pre-season, scoring a volley in an exhibition game against Japanese side Vissel Kobe. He went on to make competitive appearances against Real Sociedad and Olympiacos in La Liga and in the Champions League respectively, even managing an assist in the latter game.

Dro has also been part of the Spanish national youth team set up at various levels, scoring four goals in nine U17 appearances for his country and now having recently made the step up to U18 level.

It’s unlikely that Dro will play a large part in the first team set up at his new club this season, with PSG having a number of high profile options in the left wing position, notably Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Desiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, all of whom can play in that position.

However, it is certainly true that Luis Enrique has entrusted some of PSG’s youngsters with a surprising amount of gametime this season, with players such as Quentin Ndjantou and Ibrahim Mbaye both frequent starters for the European Champions. Perhaps Dro will also be seen as an option who can come in to the side in Ligue Un games that are perceived to be easier.

Dro’s behaviour in recent weeks has been met with a mixed response from Barcelona fans, some of whom feel as though the youngster has been slightly hasty in attempting to force a move away from his club: indeed, it is said that Dro was very much appreciated by coaches at Barcelona including manager Hansi Flick. However, perhaps the young Spaniard was tempted by seeing just how much game time young players were receiving at PSG, which would have swayed him towards joining the French side.

6 million euros (with a potential for more add-ons) may seem like a hefty fee for a young player with extremely limited first team experience, but factors such as the high standard of talent that has emerged from La Masia in recent years, as well as the cool relationship between Barcelona and PSG (perhaps still recovering from the Neymar transfer saga of 2017) added a premium to the pricetag.

PSG’s next game is against Newcastle in the Champions League, before they take on Strasbourg in Ligue Un, a game in which Dro might make a first appearance in the Parisian squad.