Barcelona Retains Álvaro Cortés

Barcelona has made a definitive decision regarding the future of young defender Álvaro Cortés, opting to retain him within the first team for the new season, thanks to the strong confidence placed in the player by head coach Hansi Flick and the sporting management.

According to Sport newspaper, Curtis has made a name for himself within the club thanks to his ongoing development over the past few years, successfully earning the trust of the coaching staff, who see him as one of the players capable of making an impact next season.

The 21-year-old defender made his first-team debut on May 13, when Flick relied on him as a starter against Deportivo Alavés. The player delivered a remarkable performance, showcasing a strong character and the ability to handle the pressures of his first appearance.

The report revealed that Curtis was on the verge of moving to Andorra on loan last season, but an injury to Iñigo Martínez prompted the sporting management to reverse the decision and keep him to lead Barcelona Athletic with the captain's armband, while waiting for an opportunity to appear with the first team.

With several Barcelona defenders sidelined due to injuries, including Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araújo, and Eric Garcia, Curtis has seized his chance to join Hansi Flick's squad until the end of the season and prove his worth to remain.

The newspaper added that Flick held a session with the player at the end of the season, urging him to maintain the same commitment and seriousness during the preparation period, confirming that his place in the first team will depend on his continued development.

Despite receiving offers from clubs in Italy, Belgium, Spain, Croatia, and the Netherlands, as well as interest from teams in the Bundesliga, the player has insisted on staying at Barcelona, prioritizing success in the Catalan club's jersey.

The report confirmed that Barcelona's current management plan is to keep Curtis in the first team for the 2026-2027 season, unless unexpected changes occur in the transfer market, especially since Flick considers him an important option given the congested match schedule, alongside ongoing doubts about Andreas Christensen's physical readiness and the need to strengthen defensive depth.

Sport concluded by noting that the young defender has continued to deliver impressive performances during the pre-season preparations for the new season, with his latest display coming against Birmingham City in a friendly match, where he caught the eye with his defensive solidity and technical maturity, enhancing his chances of securing a permanent spot in the first team.