Marcus Rashford statement made as Barcelona star asks to leave club

Hansi Flick has stated his pride over Marcus Rashford’s dedication to Barcelona following the bombshell news that young star Dro Fernandez has submitted a transfer request. The 18-year-old has reportedly triggered his own £5.1million release clause in a bid to force through a departure this month.

Paris Saint-Germain are understood to be leading the race for his signature, while Manchester City, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund have also been mentioned as potential suitors. Fernandez has featured five times under Flick, who handed him his senior debut earlier this campaign.

However, the teenager is determined to leave Barcelona, with the club left reeling by his choice. Flick appeared visibly frustrated as he addressed the matter during his pre-match media briefing ahead of Sunday’s fixture against Real Sociedad.

The German coach emphasised that he only desires players who genuinely wish to represent Barcelona, citing Rashford as the perfect example. Flick suggests that he hopes to secure the striker permanently when his season-long loan from Manchester United concludes, highlighting the forward’s mentality as exemplary.

“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 declared. “We have to wait.

“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].”
Dro Fernandez turning on the ball.

“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.

The ex-Bayern Munich boss 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 at the age of 14 in 2022 and has been compared to team-mate Pedri and former star Thiago Alcantara. He made his Champions League debut in October, providing an assist as Barcelona demolished Olympiacos 6-1.