Pedro Fernandez, known within Barcelona as ‘Dro’, has quickly become one of the most talked-about teenagers in Spanish football. At just 17, the attacking midfielder has moved from being a highly rated La Masia prospect to a regular presence around the first team during the 2025/26 season.
Dro’s rise has been swift but not entirely unexpected. Coaches inside the club have long viewed him as one of the most technically gifted players of his age group, and this season has offered him the platform to show why.
He has already featured five times for Barcelona’s senior side, contributing an assist and, more importantly, displaying a calmness and maturity above his years.
Head coach Hansi Flick has shown clear confidence in the youngster, trusting him in competitive situations rather than shielding him in youth football.
That backing has only strengthened the feeling around the club that Dro could become an important part of Barcelona’s future midfield. However, his progress has not gone unnoticed elsewhere.
According to reports from Fichajes, Manchester City submit a €25 million bid for Pedro Fernandez in an attempt to bring him to Manchester.
The proposed deal underlines the increasing attention Premier League clubs are paying to Barcelona’s academy, which has once again proven its ability to produce elite-level talent.
For City, the interest in Dro is not sudden. His name has reportedly appeared in internal scouting reports for some time, with club officials viewing him as a player who fits their long-term recruitment strategy.
City have built a reputation for identifying young players with significant room for development, investing early, and allowing them to mature either within the club or through carefully chosen loan spells.
Manchester City’s long-term vision for Dro
Manchester City’s approach to the potential signing is said to be clearly mapped out. Rather than rushing Dro into Pep Guardiola’s highly demanding first-team environment, the plan would be to complete the €25 million transfer and then send the player out on loan.
This step is designed to ensure he gains regular minutes, adapts to senior football away from the intense spotlight of the Etihad Stadium, and continues his development at a steady pace.
This model has worked for City in the past. The club often prioritises patience over immediate impact, believing that structured development can maximise both sporting performance and financial value.
Manchester City submit €25 million bid for Pedro Fernandez due to his technical skill, vision between the lines, and ability to operate in tight spaces are qualities City feel could eventually suit their style of play, once he has gained more experience.
From City’s perspective, the proposed fee reflects both confidence and calculated risk. €25 million for a 17-year-old with limited first-team experience is a significant outlay, but one they believe is justified by his potential ceiling.
In an increasingly competitive transfer market, securing young talent early can be more cost-effective than pursuing established stars later.
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Meanwhile, for Barcelona, the offer has prompted serious internal discussions. Financially, the sum represents a meaningful injection of funds at a time when the club continues to manage long-standing economic challenges.
Every major decision is weighed not only in sporting terms but also against the broader need for financial stability.
The proposal has been examined carefully by Barcelona’s hierarchy, who recognise that this is more than a simple transfer decision.
Accepting such an offer could influence how the club is perceived when it comes to protecting and promoting its academy graduates. La Masia is central to Barcelona’s identity, and Dro is widely seen as one of its brightest current products.
Sportingly, losing Dro would be a significant blow. Barcelona see him as a player who could grow into a first-team regular, particularly within a philosophy that prioritises youth development and technical football.
With Flick showing a willingness to trust young players, Dro’s pathway to more consistent involvement appeared open.
