Manchester City lead race for Barcelona teenager Dro Fernández

Manchester City are emerging as the leading contenders to sign highly-rated Barcelona midfielder Dro Fernández, with indications the Premier League champions could finalise an agreement in the coming days.

According to Spanish outlet El Desmarque, City have positioned themselves at the front of a growing queue for the 18-year-old, who has already informed Barcelona of his intention to leave the club this month.

Dro, a product of Barcelona’s academy since arriving from ED Val Miñor Nigrán in 2022, broke into the first-team picture earlier this season. His promotion was partly driven by external pressure, with Manchester City previously registering concrete interest last summer. Reports at the time suggested Pep Guardiola personally approved a contract proposal that significantly exceeded the player’s existing terms at Camp Nou.

That approach prompted head coach Hansi Flick to fast-track the Spain Under-18 international into senior contention in September. Dro has since made five first-team appearances, registering one assist, but has struggled to secure consistent minutes in a competitive midfield setup.

Dro turned 18 on 12 January, a date Barcelona had earmarked to formally extend his contract. While his current deal runs until 2027 and includes a relatively modest €6m release clause, renewal talks have yet to be completed. That delay has allowed several clubs to explore a potential move, with Manchester City now described as the clear frontrunner.

Sources close to the player told El Desmarque that City’s long-term sporting project, a clear development pathway, and the influence of Guardiola were decisive factors in Dro’s thinking. The midfielder is understood to view a move to England as the best step for his progression at senior level.

On Friday morning, Dro reportedly informed Flick of his desire to leave, a development that caused surprise and unease within the club. Barcelona are not prepared to concede defeat quietly and are expected to make a final attempt to convince the teenager to stay, though confidence in a positive outcome appears limited.

The report adds that frustration over irregular playing time and the slow pace of contract negotiations contributed to Dro’s decision to seek a new challenge. Manchester City, meanwhile, are confident enough to believe the deal could be wrapped up swiftly if Barcelona fail to change his stance.

There remains a possibility that Dro’s camp are applying pressure to secure improved terms at Barcelona. However, with City firmly in pole position, the balance of momentum currently favours a move away from La Liga.

Barcelona are expected to make a final push to convince Dro to stay, potentially revisiting contract terms and outlining a clearer first-team role. Manchester City, meanwhile, are prepared to move quickly should talks fail, with confidence that an agreement can be finalised within days. Much will depend on whether Barcelona can present a convincing sporting plan before City formalise their offer.

Would Dro Fernández benefit more from Guardiola’s development pathway at Manchester City, or should Barcelona fight harder to keep one of their brightest academy prospects?