‘He’s a great option for next season’ – Hansi Flick has good news for Barcelona teen Xavi Espart

TL;DR

Hansi Flick praised Barcelona teen Xavi Espart, stating he is a strong option for the first team next season. Espart is expected to serve as a backup to Jules Kounde in the upcoming games.

Key points

Hansi Flick praised Xavi Espart's potential for next season
Espart may serve as backup to Jules Kounde
Hector Fort's future at Barcelona is uncertain after his loan

FC BarcelonaCA OsasunaElche

SANT JOAN DESPI, SPAIN - MAY 01: Hansi Flick, head coach of FC Barcelona, attends his press conference during the training day of FC Barcelona ahead the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match against CA Osasuna at Ciudad Esportiva Joan Gamper on May 01, 2026 in Sant Joan Despi, Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images) | Europa Press via Getty Images 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 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 and has only just returned to action.

Q&A

What did Hansi Flick say about Xavi Espart's future at Barcelona?

Hansi Flick expressed confidence in Xavi Espart, stating he is a very good option for the first team next season.

Who is expected to be Barcelona's first-choice right-back next season?

Jules Kounde is currently Barcelona's first-choice right-back, but Xavi Espart is being considered as a backup.

What is the status of Hector Fort's loan at Elche?

Hector Fort is on loan at Elche and is expected to return to Barcelona after recovering from surgery for a dislocated shoulder.

‘He’s a great option for next season’ – Hansi Flick has good news for Barcelona teen Xavi Espart

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

Related Articles

Mike Breen describes challenge of calling a blowout

Jedd Fisch hoping for a fun environment at Washington's spring game

Elite 2028 WR, USC commit Roye Oliver reclassifies to 2027 class

Chelsea handed positive injury updates for two key defenders ahead of Forest visit

IPL 2026 Points Table after Match 43: DC move up, RR's erratic campaign continues

Key FSU running back target commits to in-state rival

More from Sports