Barcelona starlet Álvaro Cortés has this weekend made use of the opportunity to send an unwavering public message the way of Blaugrana headmaster Hansi Flick.
The message in question? I want a permanent first-team berth this coming season.
Youngster Cortés has for his part spent the last couple of weeks plying his trade under the watch of Flick and his staff, as part of Barcelona’s pre-season schedule.
Earlier this week, the 21-year-old was therefore afforded minutes off the bench, as the Blaugrana battled to a 2-2 stalemate with English outfit Birmingham City. Cortés even managed to turn heads during the ensuing penalty shootout, courtesy of a stunning spot-kick into the top corner.
Speaking to the media in the game’s aftermath, the central defender was therefore drawn on his immediate future in Catalunya’s capital.
And after notching a solitary La Liga start in 2025/26, Cortés made clear that he has his sights on bigger things this time round, explaining to Mundo Deportivo:
“I’ve already completed my time with the reserve team, and what I’d like is to stay with the first team and earn a place.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
