Barcelona Promotes La Masia Graduate Xavi Espart to First Team with No. 12 Jersey
FC Barcelona has officially promoted 19-year-old La Masia graduate Xavi Espart to the first team, assigning him the No. 12 jersey. Espart impressed coach Hansi Flick during preseason, showcasing versatility across defense and midfield. He started in Barcelona’s La Liga opener against Elche and has since overtaken Alejandro Balde in the left-back pecking order. Espart joins fellow 2007-born talents Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Marc Bernal, highlighting a historic youth generation at the club.
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Xavi Espart Impresses in Left-Back Role, Overtakes Balde in Flick's Pecking Order
According to Mundo Deportivo, 19-year-old La Masia graduate Xavi Espart delivered an outstanding performance in Barcelona's La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao, his second consecutive start at left-back. Despite playing out of position, Espart showcased high football IQ, executing a tactical foul to prevent a goal and contributing offensively with a cross that hit the post and a long-range shot saved by Unai Simón. Head coach Hansi Flick has elevated Espart ahead of Alejandro Balde in the left-back pecking order, favoring his intelligence and versatility. Espart, who joined Barcelona's youth academy at age seven, made his Champions League debut in March and has now proven his readiness for the first team.
Barcelona Promotes La Masia Youth Player Xavi Espart to First Team, Assigns Number 12 Jersey
On August 27, Barcelona officially announced the promotion of La Masia youth academy player Xavi Espart to the first team. The versatile 21-year-old, capable of playing as a full-back or in midfield, impressed during preseason and in a match against Elche at the Martinez Valero Stadium. He will wear the number 12 jersey, which had been vacant since the 2021-22 season, last worn by Danish forward Martin Braithwaite. The article notes that several La Masia graduates, including Riqui Puig, Rafinha Alcântara, and Jonathan dos Santos, previously wore the number 12, as did notable left-backs Sergi Barjuán and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Espart's promotion marks a significant step in his career, joining the senior squad for the upcoming season.
Barcelona Promotes Youth Player Xavi Espart to First Team, Assigns No. 12 Jersey
Barcelona has officially promoted 19-year-old youth academy player Xavi Espart to the first team, changing his La Liga jersey number from No. 36 to No. 12. Espart earned recognition from coach Hansi Flick and sports director Deco through his preseason performances. He started as left-back in Barcelona's La Liga opener against Elche due to injuries to Balde and Cancelo. Flick values Espart's versatility, as he can play right-back, defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and left-back. His current contract runs until 2028, and Barcelona plans to increase his salary and extend the contract after the summer transfer window closes.
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Barcelona Coach Flick Promotes La Masia Graduate Xavi Espart to Midfield Ahead of Elche Debut
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has effectively promoted 2007 La Masia graduate Xavi Espart to the first-team midfield for the 2026/2027 season, which begins with an away match against Elche. Espart, who made his senior debut in a Champions League draw at Newcastle United last season, has been playing exclusively in midfield during preseason, impressing in wins over Basel and Al Ahly. With Pedri and new signing Rodri still injured, Espart has a realistic chance of starting alongside fellow 2007 graduates Lamine Yamal and Marc Bernal. The article notes Espart's versatility, comparing him to Philipp Lahm for his ability to play both defense and midfield.
Marca: Espart Earns Trust; Four 2007-Class Players Expected to Start Together for Barcelona
Barcelona's Xavi Espart is expected to start in La Liga against Elche, having convinced coach Hansi Flick during preseason. If Pedri is rested, Espart could join fellow 2007-born talents Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, and Marc Bernal on the pitch, marking a historic moment for La Masia's golden generation. Espart, versatile and compared to Philipp Lahm by Flick, played six first-team matches last season but rarely coincided with his peers. The article highlights the special nature of this youth cohort and Flick's willingness to trust young players.