FC Barcelona is taking steps to secure the futures of promising academy players Pedro Villar and Pedro Rodriguez, whose contracts expire in 2027. The club aims to prevent a repeat of the situation that led to Dro Fernandez’s departure.
Learning from the Dro case
Dro made headlines during last summer’s pre-season, transitioning from Barcelona’s Juvenil B side to Hansi Flick’s first-team squad, where he caught the coach’s eye.
After impressing, the teenage attacking midfielder was fast-tracked to the senior team, making five appearances.
His departure to PSG in January was seen as a significant loss for Barcelona, prompting the club to reassess how it structures contracts for its top young talent.
Dro left Barcelona for PSG in January. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images for Qatar Airways)
The club’s new strategy includes offering academy players contracts with release clauses that increase as they advance through the ranks.
New contract strategy
These release clauses will rise based on factors such as first-team call-ups, promotions to Barça Atletic, and senior team appearances.
This new approach ensures that talented young players are exposed to higher levels of play without risking low-cost departures.
Pedro Villar and Pedro Rodriguez yet to renew
Despite ongoing negotiations, both players have not yet signed new contracts.
Villar and Rodriguez, both 18, are still tied to Barcelona until 2027, with discussions on contract extensions ongoing for several weeks.
The main challenge revolves around each player’s development pathway and their long-term place in the sporting project.
Due to the pending negotiations, neither player has been included in Hansi Flick’s pre-season squad.
Two highly rated midfield prospects
Pedro Villar is recognized as a tactically astute midfielder, able to function as both an interior and defensive midfielder.
His tactical intelligence, along with an improved goal-scoring record last season, has led the club to believe he has the potential to excel at the highest level.
Pedro Rodriguez shares a similar skill set, noted for his vision, passing abilities, and overall game understanding. He is regarded as capable of filling Pedri’s role.
Both players are anticipated to take on significant roles for Barça Atletic next season.
Barcelona maintains that the absence of Villar and Rodriguez from first-team pre-season training should not indicate that negotiations are stalling.
Instead, the club intends to finalize their contract renewals before introducing them to the first-team environment.