Barcelona’s plans to sign left-footed centre-back could push promising academy star towards summer exit | OneFootball

Alvaro Cortes has spent years working towards a place in Barcelona’s first team, and until recently, the 21-year-old seemed determined to continue that journey at the club he has always wanted to represent.

Now, Barcelona’s transfer plans could change everything.

According to SPORT, Cortes is considering his future after the club made the decision to bring in a left-footed centre-back. 

While Hansi Flick remains happy with the young defender and has assured him that he would have opportunities if he stayed, the arrival of another specialist in his position would inevitably make his path to regular football far more complicated.

Barcelona transfer decision changes everything for Cortes

Cortes had every reason to believe he could remain at Barcelona. 

Barcelona are looking to sign a new left-footed defender. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

He enjoyed an impressive pre-season and had already gained experience around Flick’s senior squad towards the end of the previous campaign, including an official debut against Alavés.

Flick has publicly expressed his satisfaction with the defender’s performances, while also making it clear to Cortes that he would be welcome to stay and would receive minutes.

But Barcelona’s decision to recruit a new left-footed centre-back changes the competitive landscape.

The club is looking to complete that signing soon, and the addition would create another obstacle between Cortes and a meaningful first-team role. 

Cortes needs to decide

As per the outlet, the Barcelona academy star has significant offers available and must now consider which destination would best support the next phase of his career.

Alvaro Cortes could leave Barcelona this summer. (Picture credit: Instagram/@alvaarocortes)

Cortes has always prioritised staying at Barcelona, but regular playing time has become increasingly important as he enters a crucial period of his development. 

At 21, the prospect of securing a central role elsewhere could be difficult to ignore.

The situation appears to be moving rapidly, as Cortes is unlikely to be part of Barcelona’s first-team squad for Thursday’s match vs Athletic Club, with a decision over his future expected soon.

The club is also understood to be open to facilitating the move, with the terms of a potential transfer not expected to become a major obstacle. 

Barcelona would retain a percentage of the fee, allowing them to maintain a financial interest in the defender’s future.