Barcelona set to reward teenager with first team shirt number after impressive performances – report | OneFootball

Xavi Espart has been one of the finds of Barcelona’s pre-season and early matches so far, with the Spanish teenager impressing one and all.

Everyone knew that he was extremely talented and had Hansi Flick’s trust, but his performances in the last few games have been unbelievable.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi has earned a major reward for his impressive rise at Barcelona, with the 19-year-old set to become a permanent member of the first team.

Barça have decided to hand Espart a senior registration, and he will now also receive a first-team number.

Espart handed new number

Espart impressed in the opening match. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

The youngster will now wear the No. 12 shirt.

Espart had previously used No. 36, including during Barcelona’s league match against Elche, where he started at left-back despite naturally being comfortable in several other positions.

That versatility has been one of the main reasons Flick has taken such a strong liking to him.

Espart can operate at right-back, as a holding midfielder, as an interior and even on the left side of defence when required.

For a coach who values tactical flexibility, that makes him an especially useful squad option.

Flick and Deco both convinced

The promotion is not simply a reward for one strong match.

Espart has worked hard to get here and even gave up his holidays after the Under-19 European Championship to be available for Hansi Flick.

The German manager has been particularly impressed, while Deco also sees him as a player with a lot of potential.

That is significant because Barça have no shortage of academy talents competing for a first-team spot, and you need to be really special, like Xavi is, to be handed one.

Contract improvement also expected later

Barcelona are also planning to reward him financially.

Espart is currently under contract until 2028, but the club intend to improve his terms and extend the agreement further once the transfer window closes.

Next big defensive talent in Barcelona? (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

For now, the most important development is that Espart is no longer being treated simply as a youth player filling gaps.

He has earned a real place in Flick’s squad. For Barça, this is exactly how the pathway should work.

Espart was given an opportunity, performed well enough to convince the coach and has now been promoted on merit.

His versatility may be what opened the door, but his consistency is what has kept it open. The next challenge is to make sure he does not let the momentum drop.

Xavi is here to stay, and it remains to be seen whether he can go on to have a memorable career in the first team in the coming seasons.