How Barcelona have changed release clauses after losing Dro Fernandez to PSG

Barcelona have overhauled the structure of their youngsters’ release clauses in direct response to the January departure of teenage prospect Dro Fernandez, whose €6 million buy-out figure allowed Paris Saint-Germain to secure his signature for only a modest fee.

Catalunya Radio reports that the club’s new policy is designed to prevent a repeat of what club officials now call the “Dro saga.” Under the revised system, every academy player will begin with a €6 million clause. That figure will climb to €8 million upon a debut in the UEFA Youth League and reach €10 million once the player appears for Barcelona Atletic. A first-team debut under Hansi Flick will immediately elevate the clause to €15 million.

The change is already visible in the case of Tommy Marqués, who remains on a youth-team contract but has already featured for Flick’s senior side; his release clause has consequently jumped to €15 million.

Players contracted directly to Barcelona Atletic start with a higher baseline. Their initial buy-out is set at €20 million, rising in five-game increments: five appearances push the clause to €25 million, ten to €30 million, and 15 competitive games for the reserves trigger a steep leap to €100 million. The same €100 million figure applies instantly if a Barcelona Atletic player makes a senior-team appearance.

Xavi Espart is the first test case of the new rule. Although contracted to the reserves, his recent debut for the first team should, if the report is confirmed, activate the €100 million protection.

The restructuring signals Barcelona’s determination to retain emerging talent without stalling their pathway to the senior squad, ensuring that future prospects cannot be lured away for cut-price fees.