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Luis Enrique is ready to AXE 18-year-old PSG flop as Barcelona return looms for Dro Fernandez

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Fernandez struggles to secure PSG minutes

Fernandez has found life difficult at PSG since arriving from Barcelona during the last winter transfer window. The French club paid €8 million for the highly-rated Spaniard, but he has failed to establish himself in the French capital.

At just 18 years old, the step up appears to have been too steep for the young talent. He has managed a mere 343 minutes of football across all competitions this season, finding himself increasingly sidelined by manager Enrique.

Enrique doubts emerge over early transfer

Despite initially requesting the transfer, Enrique has seemingly lost faith in the teenager's immediate ability to influence matches. Reports in Spain suggest the manager is already open to sanctioning a departure to help the player's development.

According to El Nacional, Enrique has recognised the player's urgent need for consistent minutes. The Parisian coach believes it is still too early to offer him regular playing time, and if Dro wishes to return to Barca, he could facilitate his departure.

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The report added that the problem for this player from La Masia is that PSG's investment was based on his potential, while he needs playing time immediately.

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Pundit questions Fernandez's top-level credentials

Fernandez's drastic drop in playing time is starkly illustrated by his recent European and domestic snubs. After starting the opening Champions League clash against Bratislava, he completely disappeared from the squad for the subsequent three European fixtures.

In Ligue 1, his fortunes have been equally bleak, highlighted by a brief four-minute cameo in a recent fixture against Troyes. This lack of impact has drawn criticism from observers in France, who doubt his ability to perform at the highest level.

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Former PSG player and RMC pundit Jerome Rothen recently offered a damning assessment of the teenager. "I have nothing against him, but if you put him in another Ligue 1 club, I'm not even sure he would be a starter," Rothen remarked.

Barca return could resolve transfer mistake

The situation leaves Fernandez at a crucial crossroads in his early career. While he continues to train with the PSG first team, his development risks stalling without competitive action.

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A swift return to Barcelona is now viewed as a realistic solution for all parties involved. The Catalan club could offer the midfielder a familiar environment to rebuild his confidence and fulfil his early potential.

News Writer

Starting his career as an intern at GOAL Indonesia in early 2021, Yosua was promoted to journalist that same year and has consistently written, focusing primarily on English and European football.

Covering the 2023 U-17 World Cup in Indonesia was one of his most memorable experiences. At the tournament, Yosua had the opportunity to meet and interview young talents who are now starting to shine at the elite level: Marc Guiu, Franco Mastantuono, and Claudio Echeverri.

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