FC Barcelona were expected to try to make some changes to their team in this summer transfer window by the time the last season ended, but some of the developments that have taken place in the last few days have been rather surprising.
For instance, the Catalans were not expected to make any changes to their midfield, but recently, they have been linked strongly with the Manchester City star Rodri Hernandez, who already seems close to signing for them.
Meanwhile, they were expected to sign a new center-back, and were heavily linked with Alessandro Bastoni some weeks ago, even though these links lost steam quickly. The presence of Gerard Martin convinced Hansi Flick that the need to reinforce the center of the defense is not too urgent.
However, a center-back, Ronald Araujo, is going to leave the club, as reports emerged today that [he has signed for Liverpool on a season-long loan](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/barcelona-set-buy-option-price-for-ronald-araujo-deal-with-liverpool/).
In such a context, [SPORT](https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/alvaro-cortes-sustituto-araujo-133190443) reports that the youngster Alvaro Cortes is going to benefit the most from his departure, as Barcelona are not looking to replace Araujo with a new signing, and their commitment to the youngster is absolute.
Although it is not completely ruled out, it is highly unlikely that the Blaugranes will make a move for defenders like Cuti Romero or Aymeric Laporte, with whom they have been linked recently. Thus, with Araujo’s departure, Flick’s center-back options will be Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Marin, and Alvaro Cortes, while Jules Kounde can also be shifted to the center of the defense if the need arises.
Both Deco and Hansi Flick have been delighted with the way the youngster has developed in recent years, and with this room opening up in the first team, Cortes will be looking to take the next step in his career by establishing himself as a regular for the Barcelona first team.