West Ham United are set to lure one Barcelona academy graduate to the London Stadium this month in the shape of Fulham winger Adama Traore, but Paris Saint-Germain have just ended their hopes of a second.
West Ham are expected to sign Traore imminently as Nuno Espirito Santo reunites with his ex-Wolves favourite.
The La Masia graduate, who returned to the Camp Nou during a brief loan spell before moving to Craven Cottage, will add depth on the wings and competition for a revitalised Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville.
How many points would West Ham have taken from their last two games if Lucas Paqueta had been playing? 🤔
Maybe I’m harsh, but I just don’t think he suits this team anymore…
But as Lucas Paqueta closes in on a dream switch to Flamengo, it had been suggested that West Ham United may look to replace the Brazil international with another who honed his considerable talents in arguably Europe’s most feted academy.
A line can now be drawn under that, however. Paris Saint-Germain have signed Barcelona teenager Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez after triggering the £7 million release clause in his contract.
West Ham United target Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez leaves Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain
Reporter Alan Nixon first reported back in November that West Ham were sniffing around Dro Fernandez.
The Spain Under-18 international, who celebrated his 18th birthday earlier this month, had caught the eye during a couple of La Liga cameos while also providing a Champions League assist against Olympiakos.
Dro Fernandez has been likened to Andres Iniesta due to his balletic balance and fine vision. Comparisons were also drawn with Barca maestro Pedri, and former Liverpool and Bayern Munich playmaker Thiago Alcantara.
“Dro was always very special,” Luis Perez, who coached Dro at the Val Minor academy, told Sport. “He has a gift for touching the ball and has always been very creative.
“He is very technical and, although his right foot is good, he dominates with his left. ‘Dro’ has a good header, and the best thing is his vision and his offensive actions. Although there are those who compare him to Pedri, I see more of Andres Iniesta in him.”
With the likes of Chelsea, Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain in the mix, though, West Ham were always fighting an uphill battle for one of the most exciting teenage talents on the continent.
ESPN claim that PSG boss Luis Enrique, who won the treble with Barca a decade ago, spoke to Fernandez on the phone before convincing him to move to the French capital. Enrique also shares an agent with the twinkle-toed teenager.
“I’m very happy and very proud to be joining Paris Saint-Germain,” Fernandez said after his move was completed on Monday. “This is a moment of huge pride for me and for my family.
“I’m hugely excited and motivated to play and to give everything for this shirt.”
Lucas Paqueta’s Flamengo return is now closer than ever
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This is the second bargain midfield signing to slip through the Hammers’ grasp this month.
West Ham reportedly held talks with Quinten Timber, too. The former Feyenoord captain would join PSG’s bitter rivals Marseille for around £4 million instead.
After weeks of negotiations though and interest which goes back a number of years, Paqueta is finally on the verge of re-joining the club where he started his career.
Flamengo president Luiz Eduardo Baptista confirmed Paqueta’s impending return on Monday. The Copa Libertadores champions are expected to pay just shy of £40 million.
“I don’t talk about negotiations [as a rule],” Baptista told leading Brazilian football journalist Vene Casagrande. “But what I can say is that we’re close.
“Today, the difference is the payment method, [but] Flamengo gives its word and honours everything it agrees to.”
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