Hansi Flick may have come to Barcelona as a foreign manager without any previous connection to the Catalan club, but he has embodied the club’s spirit to perfection.
One of his first and smartest decisions so far was to always look within La Masia before entering the transfer market.
While this was partially necessitated by the club’s financial situation at that point, it also showed Flick’s faith in youngsters. That looks set to continue this season as well.
Now, according to SPORT, Alvaro Cortes is currently expected to remain with Barcelona this season after Hansi Flick personally informed the young centre-back that he is counting on him for the first team.
Flick opens the first-team door
Flick believes the 21-year-old can have a role in his squad and potentially receive meaningful opportunities during the campaign.
For now, Barcelona’s plan is for Cortes to stay rather than pursue a move elsewhere.
Alvaro Cortes set to remain with the first team. (Picture credit: Instagram/@alvaarocortes)
Cortes has used pre-season to strengthen his position within Flick’s squad.
His own preference also works in Barcelona’s favour. The defender wants to succeed at his boyhood club and would prioritise staying if he believes there is a genuine opportunity to play.
However, he also wants assurances that remaining with the first team will actually lead to chances rather than another season spent waiting on the sidelines.
There is still a catch
Despite Flick’s message, Cortes’ future is not completely settled.
Barcelona have not entirely ruled out signing another centre-back before the transfer window closes.
The club have been linked with a potential move for RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, while Aymeric Laporte could also emerge as an option in these final weeks.
Should another defender arrive, the hierarchy in Flick’s squad could change considerably and force all parties to reconsider the current plan.
No final decision yet. (Photo courtesy: Instagram/alvaarocortes)
That explains why Cortes has yet to make a definitive decision over his future.
Barcelona should trust Cortes
Ronald Araujo’s departure has created an opening in central defence, and Cortes has already demonstrated enough during pre-season to earn Flick’s confidence.
Giving an academy defender that opportunity would also save Barcelona from spending unnecessarily in the market.
At 21, he is not conventionally young when compared to some other La Masia starlets, and he might be ready to take this step up.
The final weeks of the window will therefore be decisive. As things stand, Cortes is expected to stay and Flick wants him involved. It remains to be seen whether it stays that way by the end of the window.