Barcelona’s search for defensive reinforcement has continued to reshape plans throughout the closing days of the transfer window.
Hansi Flick’s side have already seen several academy graduates linked with moves away from Camp Nou this summer.
Alejandro Balde, Marc Casado and Hector Fort have all been the subject of exit speculation in recent weeks.
Barcelona’s ongoing pursuit of a specialist left-footed centre-back has also had a direct impact further down the squad.
That search is now believed to be pushing another promising academy product towards the exit door.
Alvaro Cortes appears increasingly close to leaving Barcelona, with journalist Gerard Romero identifying Elche as one of the possible destinations for the young defender, as he said on X.
The 21-year-old has decided to bring his time at the club to an end after Barcelona’s defensive plans altered his prospects of regular first-team opportunities.
Alvaro Cortes had hoped to remain at the club he has spent his career with and fight for a place in Flick’s senior squad.
Instead, Barcelona’s decision to search for a specialist left-footed centre-back has changed the sporting picture around him.
Flick has publicly expressed satisfaction with the young defender’s performances and had assured him he would still receive minutes if he stayed.
The prospect of a new signing competing directly for his position, however, has forced a rethink over his immediate future.
Cortes made his first-team debut against Deportivo Alaves last season and had entered this campaign hoping to build on that experience.
He was an unused substitute in Barcelona’s 5-0 win over Elche earlier this week, having also featured briefly against Al Ahly in a pre-season friendly.
The left-footed defender renewed his contract in March, extending his stay until 2028 with the option of a further year.
Elche’s new head coach, Martin Anselmi, is said to view Cortes as a strong fit for his preferred back-three system.
The Basque-born defender is understood to be weighing up three advanced offers as he decides on his next destination.
Cortes joined Barcelona’s academy from Real Zaragoza back in 2021, having previously come through the youth ranks at Athletic Bilbao.
He spent the 2022/23 season on loan at CF Damm before returning to join pre-season training with Barca Atletic in 2023.
Diario Sport reports that Barcelona have already identified Cortes as one of the players who will make way once their defensive signing is completed.
His departure would mark the end of a five-year association with the club, having risen through multiple age groups before reaching the fringes of the first team.
A final decision on his next destination is expected to be made before the transfer window closes next week.
‼️ALVARO CORTES
El Elche es una de las opciones que tiene para incorporarse después de la decisión de salir que contó @scapde_45 en @sport #mercato @JijantesFC
— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) August 26, 2026
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