In the two years that Hansi Flick has been at FC Barcelona, he has not been shy of handing opportunities to young prospects from La Masia.
Marc Bernal and Marc Casado were the beneficiaries last season, although the former ended up missing a year due to an ACL injury.
This time around, the manager has handed chances to multiple La Masia prospects like Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, who ended up leaving in January for PSG, Jofre Torrents, Xavi Espart, and Toni Fernandez.
Another youngster who has become a regular fixture in Flick’s squad list this term is Tommy Marques, although he has played only once.
First-team promotion for Tommy next season?
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Tommy is a contender for a promotion to the first-team squad at Barcelona next season.
As mentioned, the 19-year-old has been pretty much a regular in senior training and matchday squads for a large part of the current season.
First-team promotion next season? (Photo courtesy: Instagram/tommy.marques)
Tommy’s debut for the Catalans’ first team came against RCD Mallorca in La Liga in February, where he played for around six minutes after coming off the bench.
With Marc Casado staring at an uncertain future, there could be a vacancy in the squad heading into next season. And Tommy, who is contracted with the club until 2028, could be the likely candidate to fill that gap.
What about other players?
As for Xavi Espart and Jofre Torrents, both of whom have played for the Barcelona first team this season, the academy duo are waiting to see what happens with the full-back situation at the club before deciding their next move.
Meanwhile, young midfielder Juan Hernandez and January signing Patricio Pacifico were both candidates to be involved with the first team next season, but are sidelined for 8-9 months with ACL injuries.