Teenage midfielder delivers flawless debut in PSG’s Le Classique victory over rivals Marseille to move top of Ligue 1 as his rapid rise continues
Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernández wasted no time making an impression at Paris Saint Germain, debuting for the French champions just days after his sudden exit from Barcelona.
He did so with a composed performance that hinted at why two of Europe’s biggest clubs have already invested in him at only 18 years old.
The prodigious attacking midfielder stepped onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes on Sunday night under the watch of PSG head coach Luis Enrique, a familiar figure from Barcelona’s past.
Fernández was introduced in the 75th minute of Le Classique against Marseille, with the match already settled at 5-0, and immediately slotted into midfield with authority and confidence.
His arrival in Paris has been swift and closely watched. Barcelona had been keen to extend Fernández’s contract, which was due to expire on June 30, but the player opted for a new challenge in France.
PSG moved decisively, agreeing to pay €8.2 million to the Catalan club, more than the €6 million release clause included in his deal.
While the transfer itself was handled with relative calm, social media provided a more provocative edge. PSG’s Spanish language account welcomed Fernández with a message reading “We love you here!”
In a short post-match statement, the teenager spoke about his initial impressions of life at the club.
“I’m very happy. My teammates have supported me from day one. I felt very comfortable,” he said. “I was really looking forward to it!”
¡Aquí se te quiere! ❤️🔥🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/jvvwEi3P5t
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_espanol) February 8, 2026
Barcelona’s frustration
Although the game situation was comfortable for PSG, Fernández’s debut offered clear insight into his playing style. Replacing 19-year-old Senny Mayulu in midfield, he showed maturity beyond his years.
His calm display suggested he was not overwhelmed by the occasion, even in one of French football’s most emotionally charged fixtures.
Barcelona’s disappointment at losing Dro Fernández was made clear in the days following his departure. Hansi Flick, the coach who handed the youngster his first team debut, voiced his frustration publicly.
“If someone wants to play for Barça, they have to live and breathe the colors 100%,” Flick said, a pointed remark that underlined how highly the club rated Fernández and how keen they were to keep him.
From PSG’s perspective, the signing fits a broader strategy of securing young talent capable of contributing immediately while developing into long term assets.
Fernández joins a squad accustomed to domestic dominance and regular involvement in the latter stages of European competition, an environment that offers both opportunity and pressure.