18-year-old Xavi Espart spotted in Barcelona training with first team | OneFootball

Following a 6-0 win over Valencia in their last league game, FC Barcelona are now already training for their next match, which is none other than their UEFA Champions League opener against Newcastle United.

Preparations began earlier this week, and Monday’s session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper featured a new face: 18-year-old Xavi Espart.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Barça Atlètic youngster, naturally a midfielder but also capable of playing as a right-back, was called up by Hansi Flick to train with the senior squad.

Espart came off the bench in the closing minutes of Barça Atlètic’s 2–1 defeat to Andratx on Saturday, where he created a chance that nearly led to an equaliser.

His participation in Monday’s training went largely under the radar, as the session was held behind closed doors and the club made no official announcement. Still, his presence underlines Flick’s openness to giving opportunities to emerging talents.

This is not the first time Espart has been called up by Flick, as he also trained with the Barcelona first team last season. However, for now, it remains to be seen whether Xavi Espart will continue to be called up by the coach or if this was just a one-off occurrence.