Xavi Espart and Alvaro Cortes are fighting to secure their places in Barcelona’s first-team squad as manager Hansi Flick assesses his options during pre-season.
The two academy graduates made their senior debuts under Flick last season and are now using the opening weeks of the new campaign to convince the German they deserve to remain with the first team.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, the current training camp represents a major opportunity for Barcelona’s young players, with most of the club’s World Cup players still on holiday. Flick has taken 17 academy players to the training camp at Saint George’s Park, including Espart and Cortes, whose futures remain uncertain.
Espart made six appearances at right-back last season, while Cortes played once, making his debut as a centre-back against Alaves. Both players believe they have developed beyond the level of Barcelona’s reserve side and are determined to demonstrate that they can compete for senior places.
Espart attracting support at Barcelona
Espart is understood to be one of the players particularly admired by Flick and the Barcelona hierarchy. His prospects have been strengthened by the fact that Jules Kounde is currently the only established right-back in the squad, although Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo, who is expected to arrive from Al-Hilal, can also operate in that position.
The 19-year-old’s versatility is another advantage. As well as playing at right-back, Espart can feature in midfield, and he recently helped Spain win the European Under-19 Championship. That success has increased his standing both within the club and in the wider market.
Barcelona’s sporting director has already contacted Espart’s agent to discuss extending and improving the terms of his contract, which currently runs until 30 June 2028. The talks underline the confidence the club has in his potential.
Espart said he was determined to make the most of his opportunity.
“I am happy and enjoying my time. I have returned from the European Championship in excellent physical condition. My aim is to stay here, and I will do everything I can for the coach to maintain his confidence in me. I have spent many years at this club, I know what I have to do, and I will take advantage of the opportunities available to me.”
Espart appears to be competing with Hector Fort, who has returned after spending a season on loan at Elche, for a place in the side. However, the player from Vilassar has made clear that his priority is remaining with the first team, regardless of the position in which he is asked to play.
“I have always played as a defensive midfielder, but I have played as a full-back at Barcelona for three years. I feel comfortable there, and if staying requires it, I will play in any position the coach asks of me. I want to believe in my ability to remain here. I will give my best with humility and hard work.”
Cortes wants to take his chance
Cortes, 21, faces a crowded battle for centre-back places, with Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen among the players ahead of him in the competition for selection.
The defender from Aragon trained with the senior squad towards the end of last season after impressing for the club’s reserve team. Flick rewarded him with a first-team debut at Mendizorroza, an experience that gave Cortes a significant confidence boost.
Speaking from Saint George’s Park, Cortes said: “I am here to take advantage of this opportunity and earn a place in the first team. My desire is to stay; I have always wanted that since I was a child, and I will accept and respect whatever decision the club makes.”
The Zaragoza-born defender believes his time with Barcelona’s reserve side has now come to an end. He has offers from other clubs, but would prefer to remain at Barcelona if he is given the chance.
“I think I have a real chance of staying because the coach has shown confidence in me,” he said.
Cortes, who grew up admiring Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol, described himself as a centre-back who “enjoys defensive challenges, feels comfortable in one-on-one situations, and also wants to contribute with the ball and play through passes.”
As pre-season progresses, both players must wait for Flick to make his final decision. Espart and Cortes are each contracted to Barcelona until 2028, but a loan move for either player remains possible if they fail to secure a place in the first-team squad.
