Flick wants Barcelona defensive prodigy to stay amid offers from Spain, England | OneFootball

A seismic shift is taking place in Barcelona’s defensive unit, with Ronald Araujo all set for a shock loan move to Liverpool.

The Reds are set to sign the Uruguayan international on loan until the end of the season with a non-mandatory option to buy clause embedded in the contract.

Araujo’s impending exit has led many to believe that Barcelona may bring in a new defender this summer, having already been linked with a move for Aymeric Laporte.

But a key piece in the puzzle is Alvaro Cortes, one of La Masia‘s latest up and coming defensive talents.

Flick wants Cortes to stay

Flick is keen on keeping hold of Alvaro Cortes. (Picture credit: Instagram/@alvaarocortes)

According to Matteo Moretto, Hansi Flick greatly values Cortes and has personally told the youngster that he would be delighted for him to remain at Barcelona.

The German coach handed Cortes his first-team debut last season and clearly sees him as an option who can provide depth, particularly with Araujo on his way out.

His willingness to keep the young centre-back highlights the faith Flick has in the club’s academy products.

Cortes was among the group of youngsters who travelled to England for pre-season and trained with the first team throughout the camp at St George’s Park.

A big decision awaits

Alvaro Cortes is a key youth asset for Barcelona. (Picture credit: Instagram/@alvaarocortes)

The problem for Barcelona is that Cortes is a wanted man, with no shortage of suitors.

Clubs from Italy, Spain, England and Saudi Arabia are all said to be interested in the defender, giving him plenty to consider as he weighs up his future.

A final decision has not yet been made, but the coming days are expected to prove crucial.

For Cortes, the dilemma is to either stay and fight for limited minutes under Flick, or move elsewhere in search of regular football.

With Araujo departing, Cortes could yet prove an important piece of Flick’s defensive rotation next season.

Should the youngster opt to leave as well, Barcelona may find themselves lighter at centre-back than anticipated, which could in turn strengthen the case for a new signing.

For now, Flick will be hopeful of convincing Cortes to stay, keen to retain a talented homegrown option rather than see another academy graduate slip away.