Barcelona Trusts Drew Instead of Signing a Replacement

Spanish newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo' revealed that FC Barcelona does not plan to sign an external replacement in case midfielder Firmin Lopez decides to move to Chelsea during the current transfer window.

The newspaper clarified that the Catalan club's management is placing its trust in academy player Pedro Fernandez, known as Drew, as the first option to compensate for the potentially departing player.

Drew, who is 17 years old, is considered one of the top talents from La Masia, having participated with the first team during the pre-season tour under coach Hans Flick, and he caught attention with his remarkable performance, even though he has never played with the reserve team.

Barcelona's management believes that Drew possesses the technical and mental qualities to step up to the first team level, should Firmin decide to embark on a new experience in the Premier League, which reinforces the club's strategy of supporting emerging talents from La Masia academy.