Barcelona defender Alvaro Cortés is on the verge of completing a transfer to Royal Antwerp, with the deal expected to be finalised in the coming days. The 21‑year‑old was left out of the squad for Thursday’s match against Athletic Club, a clear sign that Barça are prepared to approve his departure. According to Matteo Moretto and Mundo Deportivo, Antwerp moved quickly for the promising centre‑back, a club that faced Barcelona during the 2023–24 Champions League group stage and now offers him a fresh opportunity.

Cortés had hoped to secure a permanent place in the senior squad, a goal he openly expressed during pre‑season, but limited first‑team chances have pushed him toward a new challenge in Belgium. Antwerp’s recent European pedigree makes the move an appealing platform for his development. For Cortés, the transfer represents a chance to relaunch his career and earn consistent playing time at a competitive level.