PSG closely follows Juan Hernandez, Barca worries about the risk of losing him for free

Paris Saint-Germain are keeping a close eye on Barcelona midfielder Juan Hernandez, 18, and are willing to wait until his contract expires on June 30, 2026, to sign him for free, despite his current release clause being just €6 million. According to Mundo Deportivo, PSG are currently leading the race to sign the La Masia talent.

PSG's strategy under Luis Enrique

PSG has included Hernandez in their target list as part of a plan to rejuvenate the squad. Under coach Luis Enrique, who is familiar with Barca's training system, the Parisian club aims to build a team around Europe's top young talents, instead of relying on expensive superstars. In that logic, Hernandez is seen as a suitable piece for the long-term project.

Unstable contract, open door for free

Hernandez's current contract with Barcelona expires on June 30, 2026. Negotiations for an extension have not yet reached an agreement, leaving other clubs open to make an approach, with PSG said to be ahead. Although the release clause is only 6 million euros, PSG wants to wait patiently for the opportunity to sign him on a free when the deal expires.

Barcelona's financial difficulties are also a barrier to a quick renewal process. If the impasse continues, the risk of a La Masia talent leaving Camp Nou is real.

Hernandez's form and progress

Hernandez has impressed for Barca Atletic under Juliano Belletti, starting 7 games, scoring 1 goal and providing 1 assist. At the national team level, he is a mainstay of the Spain U19 team. Recently, the midfielder has been regularly brought up to train with the first team by coach Hansi Flick, showing a clear development path at Barcelona.

What it means for Barca: another test for La Masia

For Barca, this is not just a matter of keeping an 18-year-old, but also a test of the model of developing young talent in a context of limited finances. Keeping Hernandez would reinforce the club’s message of giving opportunities to academy players; conversely, losing his freedom would be a blow to the value of the academy assets.

Negotiation scenario: the race between progress and patience

Three main scenarios could happen: Barcelona reach an agreement to renew, ending speculation early; PSG waits until the contract expires to sign for free; or one side activates the €6 million clause during the contract term. According to sources, PSG is leaning towards the second option, betting on the time and impasse of the renewal process.

Bottom line

• The role of training with the first team under Hansi Flick is a positive signal for Barca to convince the player about the competition roadmap.
• PSG's rejuvenation strategy, combined with Luis Enrique's understanding of La Masia, is the leverage that makes Hernandez attractive to the Parisian team.
• The low release value (6 million euros) makes this case even more sensitive if Barca do not close the future soon.

Key Figures

• Age: 18
• Current contract: until June 30, 2026
• Release clause: 6 million euros
• Barca Atletic: 7 starts, 1 goal, 1 assist
• Team: Spain U19 mainstay

Potential Impact

If the recruitment is successful, PSG will have another piece in the right direction for rejuvenation. For Barca, keeping Hernandez will both preserve the academy assets and affirm their faith in the next generation. Everything depends on the progress of negotiations in the coming months and the decisions of both sides.