West Ham United will reportedly look to sign 17-year-old Spanish midfield sensation Dro Fernandez from Barcelona next year.

According to a report by Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Dro Fernandez is the subject of interest from West Ham United. The Hammers are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder. So, the 17-year-old Barcelona wonderkid has emerged as a target for the East London outfit.

However, a move will not be straightforward as West Ham must convince the Spaniard to “give up his dream of having a career at Barcelona to join them” next year. The report has suggested that the prospect “is not easy” for the East London club. Additionally, persuading Barcelona to sell the youngster will also be a tall order.

The recent rise of Dro Fernandez

Pedro Fernandez Sarmiento, better known as Dro Fernandez, is the latest promising midfielder to break into the first-team squad at FC Barcelona. A native of Nigran, the 17-year-old has spent his formative years thus far in Spain, starting his youth career with ED Val Minor Nigran before joining Barcelona’s fabled La Masia division in July 2022.

The Spanish midfield sensation has rapidly progressed through the ranks at the Catalan club, making his senior bow this season. Fernandez has made two appearances for Barcelona this season, providing an assist in the UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, including West Ham United.

London calling?

West Ham United’s interest in Dro Fernandez is understandable. The Hammers are scouring the market for a midfielder, as James Ward-Prowse has no future at the East London club. Additionally, Guido Rodriguez has become a peripheral figure at West Ham, and they will likely cash in on Edson Alvarez next summer.

Several candidates, including Kenneth Taylor, have thus emerged on West Ham United’s radar, with Fernandez also a viable target. However, the report has suggested that the Premier League outfit must convince the Spaniard to “give up his dream of having a career at Barcelona to join them” next year.

That will not be straightforward, and West Ham will face a tall order to land the 17-year-old Spaniard. Additionally, the Barcelona wonderkid is a target for bigwigs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United. So, a deal will unlikely materialise.