Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is halfway through his season-long loan spell with Barcelona and has made a strong impression on the La Liga giants’ manager, Hansi Flick
Hansi Flick has lauded Marcus Rashford’s commitment to Barcelona after want-away star Dro Fernandez shocked the club by handing in a transfer request. Fernandez, 18, has reportedly activated his own release clause worth €6million (£5.1m) in order to seal an exit this month.
Paris Saint-Germain are the favourites to sign him, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund also linked. The midfielder has made five appearances under Flick, who gave him his first-team debut earlier this season.
But Fernandez wants to quit Barcelona, who’ve been left stunned by his decision. Flick was visibly unhappy when discussing the situation in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Real Sociedad.
The German made it clear that he only wants players who truly want to be at Barca – like Rashford. Indicating that he wants to sign the forward when his season-long loan from Manchester United ends, Flick used Rashford’s attitude as a shining example.
“Marcus’ performances have been really good until now, so we have to manage it, but it’s [sporting director] Deco’s job do things for next season,” Flick explained. “We have to wait.
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“We have months to go. For me, of course with Marcus we have a player on the top level, but also with our situation, and what I appreciate a lot from him [is his desire to be here].
“This is what I want to say to young players from La Masia: We are Barca and we are one of the best teams in the world. We give them the opportunity to train with us, to grow, to train with the best players in the world, the support and the confidence.
“If you want to play with Barca, then it has to be 100 per cent with your whole heart. This is what I want to say to everyone: 100 per cent. These colours, you have to live for them. All the others, I don’t want.”
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The ex-Bayern Munich manager was so agitated that he had to bite his tongue when discussing Fernandez’s imminent departure. “I said before with Dro, if it’s not done I will not answer this question, but it’s football,” Flick bemoaned.
“Sometimes it’s like that, that, yes, you do not agree with what they are doing, but they are 18, they are old enough to make decisions, they have people around them. Of course, when I see like … no, no, I don’t want to talk anymore, it’s enough.”
Fernandez joined Barcelona as a 14-year-old in 2022, drawing comparisons to team-mate Pedri and former star Thiago Alcantara. He made his Champions League debut in October, providing an assist as Barca thrashed Olympiacos 6-1.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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