Seventeen-year-old Guille Fernández is once again capturing attention across Europe. The young FC Barcelona midfielder, widely considered one of La Masia’s brightest prospects, is nearing full recovery from an ankle injury that temporarily halted his progress. But even while sidelined, Fernández’s name has continued to resonate — this time in Germany, where Borussia Dortmund have reignited their interest in the talented Spaniard.
A Promising Career Interrupted
Guille Fernández’s season took an unfortunate turn when he sustained an injury to the tibiofibular ligament in his left ankle during a match against CE Andratx. The injury has kept him out of action for several weeks, limiting him to just two appearances this season for Barça Atlètic.
Despite the setback, scouts across Europe — and especially those at Dortmund — have not stopped tracking his development. The German side, known for their commitment to nurturing young talent, have reportedly been studying his contract situation and long-term prospects for months.
According to reports from the German press, the Signal Iduna Park outfit is closely monitoring whether Fernández will receive meaningful first-team minutes once he’s fully fit. Should that opportunity not materialize, Dortmund could launch a formal approach in the near future.
Dortmund’s Philosophy: Investing in Youth
Borussia Dortmund’s model is clear — identify world-class potential early and provide a platform for growth. The club’s track record speaks for itself. Players like Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho, and Mario Götze all flourished at Dortmund before becoming global stars.
The German club believes that Fernández fits perfectly into this mold. His technical finesse, composure on the ball, and tactical awareness mirror the qualities that Dortmund values most in young midfielders.
Those close to Fernández, who is represented by Jorge Mendes, are said to be open-minded about his future. While Barcelona remains his first priority, Mendes’s close working relationship with Dortmund could facilitate talks if the youngster feels his development is stalling in Spain.
The Summer Approach That Never Materialized
This is not the first time Dortmund has expressed interest in Guille Fernández. During the last summer transfer window, informal discussions reportedly took place about a possible loan deal. Dortmund were interested in giving him exposure to top-level football while ensuring consistent playing time.
However, Fernández decided to stay at Barcelona Atlètic, believing he could earn a spot in Hansi Flick’s first-team plans. The decision was influenced by encouragement from the German coach himself, who admired Guille’s maturity, intelligence, and tactical discipline.
Flick included the youngster in Barcelona’s preseason tour, where Fernández impressed both coaches and teammates. His ability to break lines with precise passing and his calmness under pressure made him stand out among the academy talents. Unfortunately, just as he was beginning to make strides, the ankle injury cut short his momentum.
Contract Situation and Barcelona’s Concerns
Guille Fernández is currently under contract with Barcelona until 2027, which gives the Catalan giants some breathing room. However, the club’s management is aware of the growing interest from abroad and fears that Dortmund’s persistence could create pressure.
Dortmund’s strong relationship with Jorge Mendes — who also manages several high-profile players across Europe — adds another layer of complexity. Barcelona’s sporting directors are reportedly wary of losing yet another academy product to a foreign club, especially one with such a strong reputation for developing young talent.
Inside Camp Nou, the consensus is that Fernández should be treated as a key long-term investment. The club sees him as part of a new generation of midfielders, alongside Marc Bernal and Toni Fernández, who could form the backbone of Barça’s future.
As a result, the board is already considering accelerating contract renewal talks to strengthen their position and fend off potential bids from Germany.
Guille’s Recovery and Determination
For now, Guille Fernández remains focused on one thing — getting back to full fitness. His recovery is progressing well, and he is expected to return to action in the coming weeks. The midfielder has been working diligently with Barcelona’s medical staff, showing the same discipline and professionalism that have earned him praise since his La Masia days.
Those close to him say that his mindset is strong and his desire to succeed at Barcelona remains unchanged. “Guille just wants to play again,” said one source near the player. “He knows how much competition there is in the midfield, but he believes that if he continues to work hard, Hansi Flick will give him his chance.”
Flick, who is known for rewarding effort and commitment, is reportedly eager to assess Fernández personally once he returns. The coach views him as a player capable of bridging the gap between the youth setup and the first team — someone who embodies Barcelona’s traditional midfield DNA.
La Masia’s Ongoing Challenge
Barcelona’s youth academy continues to produce some of Europe’s finest talents, but the club faces increasing difficulty in retaining these players amid growing interest from financially powerful rivals.
In recent years, several promising youngsters have been lured away by clubs offering clearer first-team pathways and competitive salaries. The management at Camp Nou fears that if Guille Fernández doesn’t get sufficient opportunities soon, he could be tempted by a move abroad — just as other La Masia graduates have been in the past.
For Dortmund, this is the perfect scenario. Their reputation as a launchpad for elite young players gives them a persuasive edge. They can offer Fernández regular playing time, a stable environment, and a proven route to the highest level of European football.
Barcelona’s Response: Protecting the Future
To avoid losing yet another rising star, Barcelona is planning to act decisively. Club officials are reportedly preparing to hold talks with Guille’s representatives to reinforce their commitment to his development.
They are also considering the possibility of promoting him permanently to the first team in the near future, particularly if he recovers well and maintains his preseason form. The idea is to assure him that his future lies at Camp Nou, not elsewhere.
“Barça knows they cannot afford to repeat past mistakes,” said one insider. “They let too many promising youngsters leave because of lack of opportunities or poor timing. Guille represents the future, and they don’t want to lose another one to Germany.”
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Guille and Barça
Guille Fernández’s recovery marks a crucial turning point in his young career. For Barcelona, it’s a test of their ability to retain and nurture top youth talent amid fierce competition from Europe’s elite clubs. For Dortmund, it’s a potential opportunity to add another gem to their growing collection of prodigies.
At just 17, Guille finds himself at a crossroads. His next steps — whether staying at Camp Nou or exploring opportunities abroad — could shape his trajectory for years to come.
What remains certain is that his talent continues to shine brightly. As he returns to fitness and the headlines, all eyes will once again be on the gifted midfielder from La Masia — a player who could very well define the next chapter of Barcelona’s future.
