Laporta Accuses Dro Fernandez’s Agent of ‘Betrayal’ in PSG Transfer

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has publicly and vehemently criticized the agent of young midfielder Dro Fernandez, Ivan de la Peña, following the player’s move to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year. The fallout from the €8 million transfer continues to reverberate within the Catalan club, with Laporta alleging a breach of trust and accusing de la Peña of acting in bad faith.

A Bitter Departure from La Masia

The transfer of Dro Fernandez to PSG, finalized in January 2026, has left a “bitter taste” at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva training facility, according to reports. Although the €8 million fee provided a financial boost to the club, officials reportedly feel a verbal agreement was disregarded to facilitate the move to the French capital. Barcelona’s sporting department believed the player’s camp prioritized a move to PSG despite efforts to integrate Fernandez into the first team.

“A Real Betrayal” – Laporta’s Outburst

Laporta didn’t hold back in his assessment of the situation, speaking on the Jijantes channel. He stated, “Dro’s departure was a real betrayal. I feel bad due to the fact that I felt betrayed by Ivan de la Peña.” He further characterized the move as a “backstab” orchestrated by those managing Fernandez’s career. The Barcelona president expressed particular disappointment given de la Peña’s history with the club as a former player, playing for Barcelona between 1995-1998 and again from 2000-2001.

Laporta continued, “’Lo Pelat’ is a special person because of his past at Barca, but he showed us his hypocrisy. We made an exception, and he did something very bad. He lied to us. And fortunately, we have a good relationship with PSG, and he didn’t use his release clause.” This suggests Barcelona believed they had a degree of control over the situation, relying on their relationship with PSG to prevent Fernandez from activating a release clause.

Flick’s Disappointment and Outside Influences

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick too voiced his frustration over Fernandez’s departure. According to Laporta, Flick was “contraried” because he had been giving Fernandez playing time with the first team. Flick suggested that external factors played a significant role in swaying the young player away from Catalonia, stating, “As a coach, what we do is give confidence to the players so that they grow. I also know that there are people around him…” This implies that individuals within Fernandez’s circle influenced his decision-making process.

A Thank You to Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and PSG

Despite the anger directed at Fernandez’s agent, Laporta extended gratitude to Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. He thanked Al-Khelaïfi for respecting Barcelona’s position and choosing not to activate Fernandez’s release clause. This acknowledgment highlights the positive relationship between the two clubs, even amidst the contentious transfer.

Fernandez’s Impact at PSG

Since joining PSG in January, Dro Fernandez has made six appearances for the club, including three starts in Ligue 1. He has yet to score a goal but has contributed one assist. His integration into the PSG squad is ongoing as he looks to establish himself as a key player in the French capital.

The Broader Context: Barcelona’s Transfer Strategy

This situation underscores the challenges Barcelona faces in retaining young talent amidst interest from financially powerful clubs like PSG. Laporta’s comparison to Lamine Yamal, whom Barcelona successfully retained with the assistance of agent Jorge Mendes, highlights the perceived importance of strong agent relationships in navigating the complex world of player transfers. The club’s ability to secure the futures of its promising prospects will be crucial as it continues to rebuild under Hansi Flick.

The incident also raises questions about the role of agents in modern football and the potential for conflicts of interest. While agents are legally obligated to act in the best interests of their clients, their decisions can have significant consequences for the clubs that develop those players. The fallout from Fernandez’s transfer serves as a cautionary tale for Barcelona and other clubs seeking to nurture young talent.

The situation with Dro Fernandez is particularly sensitive given his development within Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. La Masia is renowned for producing world-class players, and losing a promising talent like Fernandez to a rival club is a blow to the club’s prestige and long-term ambitions. The club will undoubtedly be reviewing its internal processes to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

Barcelona is currently navigating a period of transition, both on and off the field. Laporta is seeking re-election as club president, and the outcome of the election could have a significant impact on the club’s future direction. The controversy surrounding Fernandez’s transfer is likely to be a talking point during the election campaign, as it reflects broader concerns about the club’s ability to compete with Europe’s elite.

As Barcelona looks ahead, maintaining a strong relationship with its academy players and securing their long-term commitments will be paramount. The club will need to strike a balance between providing opportunities for young talent and protecting its financial interests. The case of Dro Fernandez serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of player transfers and the importance of proactive planning.

The next match for Barcelona is against Atletico Madrid on March 22nd, 2026, at the Camp Nou. The match is crucial in the title race, with both teams vying for the top spot in La Liga. Fans will be eager to see how Hansi Flick responds to the recent setbacks and whether he can rally his team to victory.

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