Talents Calendar 

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La Masia is once again the benchmark for developing top talents. After a few years without developing a player, the academy has churned out Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Marc Casadó over the last year. All three are now essential players for Barcelona’s first team. A few more players could be arriving soon. One name that could show up twice is Fernández. The cousins Toni Fernández and Guille Fernández have highlighted their talent for the second team, which plays in Spain’s third division. 

Both joined Barca from Espanyol in 2018 and have worked their way up through the different age categories together. At times, they have played against opponents four years their senior—with success. Although inseparable off the pitch, according to a youth coach, they have very different player profiles on the pitch.  

Barca boss Hansi Flick seems impressed by both. They have already featured in the first-team squad for both LaLiga and Champions League games without making their debut yet. That might only be a question of time, as Flick has stated that both will be given minutes in cup competitions. Toni and Guille are under contract until 2027, with an option for two additional years. 

Toni Fernández: Flick sees him as a no.10

The younger of the two, Toni Fernández, is featured in the talents calendar. Fernández can play both as a false-9 and on the right wing, where the left-footed attacker can play as an inverted winger. Flick seems to see him as a no.10, where Dani Olmo is currently one of the club’s biggest stars. The ability to score goals aside, Fernández is also an excellent provider with a great work ethic and mentality.

Born in July 2008, the forward became the second youngest player—16 years and one month—to score for the second team. The goal came in a 3-0 win over FC Ourense. That goal also made him the youngest scorer in league history, and then, four minutes later, he assisted his cousin with his first goal. In the national team too, Toni Fernández holds the record for the youngest goalscorer of the U17 and U18, respectively. On this year’s US trip with the first team, he featured against Man City and AC Milan and scored against both in the penalty shootout. 

In the summer, several teams were interested in signing Toni, but the player wanted to make his way at Barcelona instead. After an injury suffered while on duty with the national team, he has returned to the pitch, and it will be interesting to see whether Flick will give him his debut in LaLiga this season.

Fernández-clan: Soon three players in the first team?

His cousin Guille Fernández (the fathers are brothers, and the mothers are sisters) is one month older and has undergone almost an identical development path to Toni. He plays in central midfield and stands out as a provider, his robustness and visionary play. A creative left-footed player, he debuted for the second team last season. Guille also plays for Spain’s U19 (six games).

It isn’t unrealistic to think that Toni and Guille will soon be playing together for Barcelona, perhaps even the national team. The potential seems to be part of their family’s DNA because Juan Fernández, the brother of Guille, another offspring of the Fernández clan, plays in Barcelona’s academy.

From December 1 to 24, we introduce new players from different countries born in 2007 and 2008. Area managers, users, and data scouts come into play as experts throughout the series. You can follow all those players by adding them to your TM watchlist.