Barcelona gem could help Flick fill a gap in the squad after impressing at U20 Intercontinental Cup | OneFootball

Inigo Martinez’s unexpected move to Al Nassr this summer has left Barcelona short of options in his profile.

The veteran centre-back had built a solid partnership with Pau Cubarsi, giving Hansi Flick stability at the back.

With the club unable to spend big in the transfer market, Flick is now being forced to look at internal solutions.

According to SPORT, the answer could come from the youth team, where two left-footed defenders are already making waves – Alvaro Cortes and Andres Cuenca.

Among the two, Cortes has drawn plenty of attention. His physical strength and maturity on the pitch make him stand out from his age group.

Many believe that if Flick had seen him play during the U-20 Intercontinental Cup, he would already be considering him for the senior side.

Against Flamengo, Cortes impressed with his speed, aerial dominance, and ability to carry the ball forward. His understanding with Cuenca also made the defence look more organised and solid.

Emerging as a strong option

At only 20, Cortes already has the build of a seasoned professional. His physique and natural ability make him an ideal candidate to fill the gap left by Martinez.

Flick has kept a close eye on him in training sessions, but the crowded pre-season squad prevented the youngster from stepping up earlier. Despite that, his progress has not gone unnoticed.

Clubs like Andorra have already shown interest in the defender, which puts Barça in a tricky spot. The Catalans need to decide quickly whether to integrate him into Flick’s plans or risk losing him.

To add to the challenge, Cortes could be unavailable for several weeks as he is expected to be called up for Spain’s U-20 World Cup squad later this year.

For Barcelona, this is a test of trust in their academy system. Flick has a chance to back young talent, and Cortes could well be the player to step into the first team when the need is greatest.