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FC Barcelona is keeping Álvaro Cortés. The 21-year-old center-back, who made his first-team debut in May 2026, has attracted attention from multiple La Liga rivals and clubs across Europe, but the Catalan giants have no plans to let him leave.
From Real Zaragoza to La Masia captain
Cortés joined Barcelona’s academy in 2021, arriving from Real Zaragoza. Born on 17 March 2005 in Zaragoza, he worked his way through the youth ranks before being handed the captain’s armband at Barcelona Atlètic, the club’s reserve team.
Over the course of three seasons with Barcelona Atlètic, from 2023 to 2026, Cortés racked up 58 appearances and scored 3 goals. His first-team debut arrived on 13 May 2026, when he started in a La Liga match against Alavés, wearing the number 36 jersey.
Why clubs came calling
Cortés currently carries a market valuation of around €4 million. Several La Liga clubs have reportedly expressed interest, along with teams from other European leagues. Barcelona has chosen to retain him rather than cash in.
Barcelona’s La Masia bet
Cortés extended his contract with Barcelona in 2024, with further updates to his deal expected around March 2026, aligning with the timeline of his first-team integration. Under Hansi Flick, Cortés started his debut match against Alavés, suggesting Flick sees him as more than a developmental project. Barcelona has expressed no intention to sell Cortés.
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