Barcelona’s Espart and Cortes face decisive test as Flick weighs first-team futures

Xavi Espart and Alvaro Cortes are fighting to secure their places in Barcelona’s first-team squad after making their senior debuts under Hansi Flick last season.

The two youngsters are using the club’s pre-season preparations to convince the German manager that they should remain with the senior side, rather than return to a reserve team they may have outgrown.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport, the current training period has created a significant opportunity for Barcelona’s academy players. Most of the club’s World Cup players are on holiday, allowing Flick to take 17 youth-team players to the training camp at Saint George’s Park, including Espart and Cortes.

Both players face uncertain futures, although each believes they can force their way into Flick’s plans. Espart made six appearances as a right-back last season, while Cortes played once, making his debut as a centre-back against Alaves.

Espart earns admiration at Barcelona

Espart is understood to be highly regarded by Flick and the Barcelona hierarchy. His chances of staying with the first team have been strengthened by the club’s lack of depth at right-back, where Jules Kounde is the only established option.

Eric Garcia and Joao Cancelo, who is expected to arrive from Al-Hilal soon, can also operate in that position. Espart’s versatility could therefore work in his favour, with the youngster also capable of playing in midfield.

The 19-year-old recently won the European Under-19 Championship with Spain, a success which has increased his profile and value within the club.

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. That approach is seen as evidence of the confidence the club has in his potential.

Speaking to the media, 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 objective is to stay here and I will do everything I can to maintain the coach’s trust in me. I have spent many years at this club and I know what I have to do. I will take advantage of the opportunities available to me.”

Espart appears to be competing with Hector Fort, who has returned to Barcelona after a season-long loan at Elche, for a starting place. However, the player from Vilassar said he would be willing to play wherever Flick needed him if it meant remaining with the first team.

“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 it is necessary for me to stay, I will play in any position the coach asks of me. I want to believe I am capable of staying here. I will give my best with humility and hard work.”

Cortes targets senior squad role

Cortes, 21, faces a crowded field of competitors for a place in central defence, including Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen.

The defender from Aragon trained with Barcelona’s senior squad towards the end of last season. Flick rewarded him with his first-team debut at Mendizorroza, a landmark moment that gave him a major confidence boost.

“I am here to take this opportunity and earn a place in the first team. My desire is to stay; I have wanted this since I was a child, and I will accept and respect whatever decision the club makes,” Cortes said at Saint George’s Park.

The Zaragoza-born player believes his time with the reserve team is over. He revealed that he has offers from other clubs but made clear that his preference would be to remain at Barcelona if he is given the chance.

“I believe I have a real opportunity to stay because the coach has shown his confidence in me,” he added.

Cortes 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 passes through the lines”.

As pre-season progresses, both players must wait for Flick to make his final decision. Espart and Cortes are each under contract with Barcelona until 2028, but a loan move for either player remains possible if they cannot establish themselves in the first-team squad.