FC Barcelona Restructures Defense Following Ronald Araujo’s Exit
FC Barcelona is adapting its defensive strategy in the wake of Ronald Araujo’s anticipated move to Liverpool, with the club now focusing on promoting Alvaro Cortes from its youth ranks. Reports from SPORT suggest that Araujo’s departure has prompted the club to view the 21-year-old, a product of La Masia, as a direct replacement in the defensive lineup, particularly as the likelihood of acquiring a new defender diminishes.
Cortes has shown consistent improvement throughout his time at Barcelona, receiving his first-team debut from coach Hansi Flick last season. His performance as a left-sided centre-back was notable, as this position plays a crucial role in the team’s defensive framework.
Both Flick and sporting director Deco have expressed strong confidence in Cortes’ capabilities. Originally planned to remain with the first team, Araujo’s exit has reinforced the decision to keep Cortes in the squad. Without Araujo competing for a position in defense, Cortes is set for more playing time, leading Barcelona to forgo signing a replacement.
As it stands, the club is not pursuing other defensive options, including notable names like Cristian Romero and Aymeric Laporte. Flick feels confident with current squad members, including Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen, along with Cortes himself. Additional defensive support will be available from Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, and Rodri, who can also step in as needed.
Barcelona’s faith in Cortes is rooted in his skills, which extend beyond his physical attributes. Standing approximately 1.90 meters, he excels in aerial duels and holds his ground in physical confrontations. Notably, his positional awareness and proactive interception techniques make him a valuable asset for Flick’s aggressive style of play.
Cortes is adept at playing high up the pitch and can cover significant spaces behind the defensive line—all essential traits for Barcelona’s defense. His left-footed distribution and capacity to initiate plays from the back provide the club with a unique option without the need for additional transfers.
While Barcelona remains open to evaluating its squad composition, the current focus is on integrating Cortes more fully into the first team. Araujo’s exit has paved the way for Cortes to demonstrate his potential, transitioning him from a prospective talent to a pivotal part of Barcelona’s defense in the present.
Ronald Araujo’s imminent departure to Liverpool has forced FC Barcelona to rethink their defensive plans, but it has also accelerated one of the club’s most important internal projects: the promotion of Alvaro Cortes.
Indeed, according to SPORT, the Catalans see the La Masia graduate as the replacement for the departing club captain, with the chances of signing a new defender fading.
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The 21-year-old centre-back has steadily progressed through the Barça ranks and took a significant step forward last season when Hansi Flick handed him his first-team debut.
Notably, he started the match and operated as the left-sided centre-back, a role that holds particular importance within Barcelona’s defensive structure.
Flick and Deco fully convinced
Both Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have been highly impressed with Cortes’ development.
Set to join Liverpool on loan. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The plan was already for the defender to remain with the first team this season, but Araujo’s exit has strengthened that decision even further.
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With one less central defender competing for places, Cortes now has a clearer path to regular involvement, to the point that Barça have decided not to sign a direct replacement for Araujo because of the confidence they have in the academy graduate.
As things stand, the club has ruled out pursuing defenders such as Cristian Romero or Aymeric Laporte.
Instead, Flick believes he has enough options with Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen and Cortes, while Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and even Rodri, who has experience in defence, provide additional cover when needed.
A defender who fits Flick’s system
Barcelona’s faith in Cortes extends well beyond his physical attributes. Standing at around 1.90 metres, he is strong in aerial duels and comfortable in physical battles, but what really stands out is his understanding of the position.
Set for a bigger role in the senior team. (Photo courtesy: Instagram/alvaarocortes)
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He is comfortable defending high up the pitch, proactive when stepping out to intercept, and capable of covering large spaces behind the defensive line, qualities that are essential in Flick’s aggressive defensive setup. His ability on the ball is another major asset.
Cubarsi remains the cornerstone of the back line, while Martin is also capable of operating on the left side of central defence. Cortes, however, offers something different.
His height, anticipation, naturally left-footed distribution and ability to initiate attacks from the back make him a strong alternative without forcing the club to seek solutions in the transfer market.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Barcelona are completely finished in the market, as the club continues to assess the balance of the squad and whether another reliable centre-back may eventually be needed.
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For now, though, Araujo’s exit has transformed Cortes’ outlook. He is no longer viewed simply as a defender for the future and will have a genuine opportunity to prove he belongs in Barcelona’s present.
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