Barcelona promotes Alvaro Cortes amid Ronald Araujo's departure to Liverpool

Barcelona will rely on Alvaro Cortes to fill the void left by Ronald Araujo's transfer to Liverpool. Cortes, a La Masia graduate, has impressed the coaching staff with his development and understanding of the game. With Araujo's imminent departure, the club has ruled out signing a direct replacement, turning to academy talent instead. Key figures in the organization, including Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco, support Cortes’ promotion to a more significant role within the first team. While the club remains open to evaluating their defensive needs, they are confident in the options already available.

• 12:05 PMYahoo Sports — Barcelona rule out new defensive signing to replace Araujo, will count on academy talent