Philippine prodigy sparks excitement, Barca rushes to secure 5-year contract

Barcelona is preparing to extend Pedro "Dro" Fernandez's contract until 2031, demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding La Masia's prized talent as he turns 18.

After the summer transfer window closed, Barcelona's sports department quickly shifted focus to contract renewals. The initial priority was securing key first-team players like Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia, while also concentrating on retaining promising young talents from La Masia. One of the standout names is Dro Fernandez, a player with Philippine heritage.

According to MARCA, Barcelona plans to extend Dro's contract by five years, until 2031. His current deal runs only until 2027, and the club will officially renew it in January, when the attacking midfielder turns 18. This approach mirrors what Barca has done with Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, signing them professionally as soon as they became eligible.

Although Dro has yet to make his official debut for the first team, he impressed significantly during the summer Asia tour. The young midfielder scored against Vissel Kobe, showcasing his confidence against senior players. He has also been included in the squad for the first three La Liga matches this season against Mallorca, Levante, and Rayo Vallecano, although coach Flick has not yet given him playing time.

An injury sustained while playing for Barca Athletic sidelined Dro for two weeks, causing him to miss the last three matches. However, he has returned to training with the first team and may feature in the upcoming game against Real Oviedo. This is a positive sign for the young player’s development, as he is considered an important part of Barcelona’s long-term plans.

Pedro Fernandez joined La Masia in 2022 and immediately made an impact by scoring 10 goals for the U15 team in his first season. Though born in Spain, he holds Philippine citizenship through his mother. Internationally, Dro currently represents Spain’s U17 team but may choose to play for the Philippines national team in the future if he wishes.

Right-footed Dro Fernandez is regarded as a versatile attacking midfielder. He can operate as a traditional “number 10” or drift wide before cutting inside. His dribbling finesse, precise control in tight spaces, and powerful long-range shots make him a real threat to opposing defenses. Many even compare him to La Masia legends like Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.

Extending his contract until 2031 shows Barcelona’s long-term faith in Dro Fernandez, a young talent who could become a future cornerstone. This strategic move ensures the club retains one of the brightest gems from its renowned academy.

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