Alvaro Cortes set for Royal Antwerp move after watching defeat from stands

Barcelona defender Alvaro Cortes is close to completing a move to Belgian club Royal Antwerp after arriving in Belgium to finalise his contract.

The 21-year-old was in the stands at the Bosuilstadion on Sunday as Royal Antwerp suffered a 4-1 defeat by Sint-Truiden. The match was shown by broadcaster DAZN, whose cameras captured Cortes watching the side he is expected to join.

Royal Antwerp’s latest loss extended their difficult start to the league campaign. The Belgian club have collected only four points from their opening four matches, with Cortes now expected to become their latest addition once the transfer is formally confirmed.

The club are expected to announce the signing in the coming hours, bringing an end to the final stage of negotiations and allowing the Spanish defender to begin a new chapter in his career.

Cortes has been seeking a move that could provide him with more regular first-team football. He began pre-season with Barcelona’s senior squad and, during the club’s training camp in England, made clear his desire to prove himself to manager Hansi Flick and earn a place in his plans.

However, competition for defensive positions at Barcelona has made that prospect increasingly difficult. The number of players competing for opportunities in the back line threatened to limit Cortes’ chances of securing consistent minutes, prompting him to consider a move that would offer greater scope for playing time and development.

The defender was included in Barcelona’s squad for their league opener against Elche. He was then absent from the match against Athletic Club while discussions over a transfer to Royal Antwerp continued.

His arrival in Belgium, followed by his appearance at Royal Antwerp’s home game, suggests the move is now close to completion. The formal announcement is expected shortly, after which Cortes can begin working towards establishing himself with his new club.

For Barcelona, the transfer would give a young defender the opportunity to gain experience away from the intense competition for places at the Spanish club. For Cortes, it represents a chance to play more regularly and continue his development at a stage of his career when first-team opportunities are a priority.

Although he started the current pre-season alongside Barcelona’s senior players and hoped to convince Flick of his qualities, Cortes has recognised that breaking into the first team on a regular basis may be particularly challenging in the immediate future.

Royal Antwerp’s 4-1 defeat by Sint-Truiden provided an uncomfortable introduction to the club he is set to represent, but the match also marked Cortes’ first public appearance as his proposed move approaches completion. With the paperwork and official confirmation still pending, the Spanish defender is expected to be presented as a Royal Antwerp player in the near future.