For Barcelona fans, the recent loss to Alavés was a tough one to watch—but it also offered a glimpse into the future. With Hansi Flick wisely using the final La Liga games as a proving ground for next season rather than chasing meaningless wins, one young prospect has emerged as a name to remember: Álvaro Cortés.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Barcelona's shopping list is clear: a center-back and a striker top the priority list. While finding a center-forward from the Barca Atlètic ranks seems unlikely, Cortés has a golden opportunity to stake his claim as much-needed defensive depth.

At 21 years old, Cortés isn't the raw teenager that Pau Cubarsí was when he burst onto the scene—though it's hard to believe Cubarsí is still just 19. Cortés brings something different: experience and maturity. Currently the captain of Barca Atlètic, he joined Barcelona's academy from Real Zaragoza in 2021 and even spent a season on loan before returning to lead the second team.

Think of him as a Marc Casadó-type contributor—a reliable depth piece who can be trusted to do a job, and perhaps more, if given the chance. If Cortés can earn Flick's trust, it would free up Deco to focus on the attacking end, where the club clearly needs reinforcements.

The Alavés match only reinforced what many already suspect: Robert Lewandowski is past his peak, and Roony Bardghji may not be at the level Barcelona requires. The Blaugrana will likely need to hit the market for attacking solutions this summer.

For now, Cortés stands out as the academy player with the clearest path to the first team—more so than Xavi Espart, Tommy Marqués, or any other prospect. If he seizes this chance, he could be the defensive answer Barcelona needs heading into next season.