Hansi Flick had some good news for Xavi Espart when quizzed on the young defender ahead of Barcelona’s clash with Osasuna on Saturday in La Liga.
There’s already speculation flying about that Espart will be part of the first-team next season and Flick – who has already likened him to Philipp Lahm – has had more praise for the young right-back.
“He can be in the first team, I like what I see from him. For next season he is a very good option, as well as the following games,” he told reporters.
While Jules Kounde is Barcelona’s first-choice right-back this season, it looks as though Espart has a good chance of being back-up.
Barcelona will also have to make a decision on Hector Fort’s future this summer. The defender has spent the season on loan at Elche but is due back at the end of the campaign.
Fort had been enjoying himself at Elche initially but was then ruled out for a significant chunk after needing surgery for a dislocated shoulder and has only just returned to action.