A Dutch star defender is on the verge of a sensational Barcelona transfer as personal terms have been agreed.
Barcelona have wasted no time planning how to redeploy the €8.5 million windfall from Pedro “Dro” Fernández’s controversial sale to PSG, with Deco already earmarking the funds for multiple academy reinforcements.
The 18-year-old La Masia midfielder’s January exit—despite recent first-team breakthroughs—generated profit well above his €6 million release clause, giving the club rare FFP flexibility amid their youth recruitment surge.
This smart financial flip perfectly funds Deco’s vision without net spend pressure.
Primary target is Ruud Nijstad, the 18-year-old left-footed centre-back from FC Twente who’s increasingly likely to join Barça Atlètic this summer, as reported by Fichajes.
Barcelona dispatched scouts to convince the Dutch U18 international to reject renewal talks, leveraging his expiring 2027 contract.
Nijstad’s aerial dominance, composure, and ball-playing fit Hansi Flick’s high-line demands, making him ideal defensive depth alongside incoming talents like Hamza Abdelkarim.
Dro’s fee perfectly calibrates with Abdelkarim’s €5 million loan-to-buy from Al Ahly—automatically triggered after five Atlètic appearances—delivering €1-2 million profit while replacing midfield output.
Remaining funds target Ajay Tavares, Patricio Pacifico, Juwensley Onstein, and Sergio Martínez, offsetting multiple reserve departures.
This carousel sustains talent levels across positions without breaking the bank.
PSG’s overpayment preserves relations, with Luis Enrique personally recruiting Dro for immediate Ligue 1 impact. Barcelona’s board views it as a masterstroke: Laporta admitted surprise at the exit, yet the financial upside exceeds expectations. Flick benefits indirectly as youth depth bolsters rotation options during a packed Champions League and La Liga schedule.
Deco’s strategy—sell high, buy low, develop ruthlessly—transforms reluctant goodbyes into sustainable reloads.
Dro departs for Paris; La Masia’s conveyor belt spins on, funding the Blaugrana dynasty without compromise.
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