Confirmed: Promising defender leaves Barcelona after five years for Royal Antwerp in a €3.5 million deal
Barcelona have completed the sale of Alvaro Cortes to Royal Antwerp, bringing the defender’s five-year spell with the Catalan club to an end.
The Belgian side has reached an agreement with Barça for the transfer of the centre-back, with Barcelona set to receive €3.5 million from the deal.
The Catalan club have also protected their interests by retaining a percentage of any future sale involving Cortes.
Barcelona confirmed the agreement in an official statement: “Agreement with Royal Antwerp for the transfer of Alvaro Cortes.
“Belgian club Royal Antwerp Football Club and FC Barcelona have reached an agreement for the transfer of Álvaro Cortes.
“FC Barcelona reserve the right to a percentage of a future sale.”
Cortes leaves after five years at Barcelona
Cortes joined Barcelona in the summer of 2021 after coming through the youth system at Real Zaragoza.
He initially began his career at the club with Juvenil B before spending the 2022/23 campaign on loan at CF Damm.
That temporary move gave the defender regular football in the Division de Honor.
On his return to Barça in 2023, Cortes trained during pre-season with Barça Atlètic before making his official reserve-team debut against SD Logroñés in August 2023.
The following season marked an important step in his development, as Cortes established himself permanently with Barça Atlètic and played 30 matches.
Barcelona retain a future financial interest
The €3.5m fee gives Barcelona a return from a player who developed through several levels of the club’s system. At the same time, the retained percentage on a future sale leaves the door open for additional income.
Cortes also reached the first-team level during his time at the club, having made his senior Barcelona debut last season on May 13 in a La Liga meeting with Alaves.
His final season with Barça Atlètic also carried added responsibility, with Cortes serving as captain of Julian Belletti’s side.
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