Venezia sign Barcelona youth talent Toni Fernandez in Nico Paz-style deal
Quick summary
Venezia have secured teenage Barcelona forward Toni Fernandez on a loan deal structured similarly to the earlier Nico Paz arrangement, continuing their strategy of acquiring promising La Masia graduates.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceMultiple reports confirm Venezia will sign Toni Fernandez from Barcelona for €4m, but own only 50 per cent and with a buy-back clause, similar to the Nico Paz move to Como.
With finances limited and squads stretched, we are seeing an increasing trend for big clubs to sell their young talents to smaller clubs, letting them develop with regular playing time, and in turn growing their value.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nico Paz of Como 1907 looks on during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and Como 1907 at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on April 17, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) It worked so well for Nico Paz when he went from Real Madrid to Como , and now Venezia are hoping to repeat the trick in a deal with Barcelona.
Toni Fernandez ready for Venezia BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 12: Toni Fernandez of FC Barcelona run with the ball during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on August 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images) Sport had already reported this afternoon that the negotiations were at an advanced stage, and now Marca and Fabrizio Romano confirm the full agreement has been reached.
Venezia will pay €4m to buy Toni Fernandez from Barcelona, but the Blaugrana retain both 50 per cent of the future sale, and a buy-back clause to ensure his future is in their hands.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 10: Toni Fernandez of FC Barcelona is challenged by Maximo Perrone of Como1907 during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Como1907 at Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) The Spain Under-18 talent only celebrated his 18 th birthday last month , full name Antonio Fernandez Casino, and has been in the Barcelona academy since 2018.
He plays in a trequartista role, but can also be a centre-forward, or a right-sided winger.
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What happened
Venezia have completed the signing of Toni Fernandez from FC Barcelona, a highly regarded young attacker from La Masia. The deal mirrors the structure used to bring Nico Paz to the club previously, suggesting a loan arrangement with purchase options. The move underlines Venezia's recruitment model of developing Spanish talent in Serie A and reflects Barcelona's ongoing strategy of placing academy players in Italian football to gain senior minutes. Fernandez is expected to add creativity and goal threat to Venezia's attacking options for the upcoming campaign.
Chance analysis
Venezia continue to position themselves as a destination for elite La Masia graduates, landing Toni Fernandez on terms reminiscent of the Nico Paz operation. For Barcelona, it is another example of using a mid-tier European league to fast-track a teenager's development, keeping long-term control while easing financial pressure. For Venezia, the upside is clear: a technically gifted attacker arriving in Serie A to test himself against senior defenders. If Fernandez adapts quickly, the arrangement could follow the same trajectory as the Paz deal and turn into a significant windfall for the Italian club.
Venezia gain a talented young attacker in Serie A, boosting their offensive options, while Barcelona continue their La Masia export model with another youth loan.