Europe bows at his feet after his breakthrough with the Spanish U-17 national team, his Youth League title, and his meteoric rise at Barça Atlètic. However, in the offices at Bernabéu, there are those who throw their hands up in disbelief when they remember what happened three years ago in Galicia.
In silence, Real Madrid prepared the ground, located the family, and launched a direct offensive. However, it was all in vain.
Dro Fernández's story isn't typical. It doesn't fit the profile of a top-level signing or a commercial strategy. His has been a natural growth, unhurried but with steady steps.
Since he was very young, he already showed promise. Born in Burela (Lugo), he trained in the youth academies of Deportivo and Racing Villalbés. That's where Barça noticed something different.
The choice that changed his career
At just 14 years old, both Real Madrid and Barça went after him. Dro's family received a clear proposal from Valdebebas: training, residence, and a well-defined roadmap.
However, the young Galician was sure about it. He wanted to wear the blaugrana jersey. He wanted to grow at La Masia.
According to sources close to the family, the legend of Barça's youth academy was decisive. However, the human and educational project offered by the club also weighed heavily.
For his parents, La Masia's prestige as a school for athletes and people was key. In Valdebebas, on the other hand, they saw a colder environment, where the youth academy barely has representation in the first team.
When it came time to make a decision, Dro didn't hesitate. He wasn't wrong.
Hansi Flick's favorite
Time has proven the young Galician right. His progression in Barça's youth soccer has been steady.
This summer, after shining with the national team, Hansi Flick specifically requested that he do the preseason with the first team. He didn't just meet expectations: he dazzled in his debut against Visel Kobe.
Dro is a complete midfielder. He has quality, range, vision, and a personality beyond his years.
Technically, he is exquisite and tactically intelligent. Moreover, his maturity off the field has earned him the respect of the locker room.
In the halls of Ciutat Esportiva, people are already talking about him as one of the club's great projects. Although he doesn't yet have a first-team contract, it wouldn't be surprising to see him in official matches this season.
The future is his
Florentino Pérez tried. He even got ahead of Barça, but he couldn't convince him. Today, Real Madrid regrets what could have been but wasn't.
Meanwhile, Barça smiles. Because it has gained a player who represents the best of its essence.
Dro Fernández is talent, training, and commitment. Above all, a promise who has known how to say no to Madrid in order to say yes to his dream.
Time will tell how far he will go.