Dro Fernández (18) is like so many players in the Paris Saint-Germain, equally a part of the club’s future as they are the present. 

With the likes of Quentin Ndjantou, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Senny Mayulu all coming through in recent months, the strategy shift at the Parc des Princes is palpable. Luís Campos set it out quite clearly when he said that buying more from the shop doesn’t make you a better cook. The reigning European champions are looking to spend less and develop more.

But that doesn’t stop them from looking beyond their renowned academy. Whilst the era of bringing in established stars may be in the past, there is a new emerging strategy of looking towards prospects who have just broken through at other clubs, but who can still be nurtured.

Having already broken through at Barcelona (one start in this season’s UEFA Champions League), Fernández was clearly a player that the Catalan giants were counting on in the future. “I really like Dro, and I’m disappointed,” said Hansi Flick following the midfielder’s departure earlier this month. 

PSG beat Chelsea, Manchester City, and Borussia Dortmund to Fernández’s signature

Fernández had a release clause in his contract worth €6m, however, PSG did not trigger it. Keen to maintain the strong relationship that they recently built with the La Liga club, they instead paid a slightly higher fee of €8m, Get French Football News understands.

Fernández is a player with whom Luis Enrique is already familiar, even if there was not yet any personal relationship, whilst the two Spaniards also share the same agent in the form of Iván de la Pena. Luis Enrique, however, is convinced that Fernández is not only a player for the future, but a player for the present. 

Fernández to face Strasbourg?

Perhaps contrary to outward perception, PSG are convinced that Fernández can play a significant role between now and the end of the season. The midfielder has already impressed in training since his arrival earlier this month and a role in the rotation is touted between now and the end of the season, with the view to slowly establishing himself as a more major figure at the Parc des Princes.

His versatility, it is understood, is a particular strength, one that PSG noted when making the signing, and that should work to his advantage in the coming months, as it has for Mayulu, who has played in midfield, as well as across the forward line. 

Seen as one of the most exciting prospects in his position, the absence of Fabián Ruiz in the short term could provide the perfect pathway to minutes. The Spaniard also missed the draw against Newcastle United in midweek and has not returned in time to face RC Strasbourg Alsace on Sunday night. Even at this very early juncture, Fernández may get the chance to show why he had Europe’s elite battling for his highly coveted signature.