Barcelona defensive talent set to leave for Belgium in permanent transfer
Barcelona are reportedly on the verge of saying goodbye to another promising La Masia graduate, with Alvaro Cortes closing in on a permanent move to Belgian side Royal Antwerp.
According to AS journalist Javi Miguel, the 20-year-old defender is expected to complete the transfer imminently after being left out of Barcelona’s squad for the La Liga clash against Athletic Club.
Cortes’ absence appears to be a strong indication that his departure is now close.
Cortes wanted first-team football
Cortes has been clear about his ambitions for some time. After making his Barcelona first-team debut last season and impressing during pre-season, the young centre-back wanted to remain involved with Hansi Flick’s senior squad.
However, he also made it known that he would not be satisfied with returning to Barça Atlètic if regular first-team opportunities were unavailable.
The defender reportedly communicated his position directly to Flick several weeks ago. While the German coach respected his decision, he encouraged Cortes to remain and fight for his place.
Initially, the youngster was prepared to accept that challenge.
However, Barcelona’s plans to bring in another left-footed centre-back appear to have changed his thinking. With competition for places increasing, Cortes concluded that leaving would give him a better opportunity to establish himself at senior level.
From loan possibility to permanent exit
A temporary move to Elche had previously been discussed, but the situation has now taken a different direction.
Cortes has reportedly agreed to join Royal Antwerp on a permanent basis, bringing an end to his three-year spell at Barcelona.
Importantly, Barça are not completely closing the door on the defender. The Catalan club are expected to retain a buy-back clause, allowing them to potentially bring him back in the future if his development takes a significant step forward.
The financial details of the agreement have not yet been revealed.
Another La Masia graduate searching for his opportunity
Cortes arrived at Barcelona from Real Zaragoza in 2023 and subsequently spent several seasons developing with the club’s reserve team.
His hard work eventually earned him a senior debut on May 13 against Alaves, giving him a taste of first-team football under Flick.
But with Barcelona’s defensive options continuing to evolve, Cortes now believes his best path forward is to leave Camp Nou and play regularly elsewhere.
Royal Antwerp could therefore provide the platform he needs to develop his game, gain valuable senior experience and prove that he is capable of competing at a higher level.
More Barcelona departures could follow
Cortes’ exit may not be the final piece of business Barcelona complete before the transfer window closes.
The futures of Hector Fort and Marc Casado also remain uncertain.
Fort is reportedly edging closer to a move to Real Sociedad, while Casado continues to attract interest from clubs in the Premier League, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
For Cortes, however, the next chapter is already taking shape. After working his way through Barcelona’s system and briefly reaching the first team, the defender is now preparing for a new challenge in Belgium — with Barça retaining a potential route back to the club.