Xavi Espart: Barcelona's Unexpected Full-Back Talent

From Mollerussa, known for its agricultural fairs and paper clothing museum, to the eighty thousand spectators at Camp Nou, Xavi Espart is a new addition for Hansi Flick, who consistently focuses on youth development. He became a full-back by chance and is now a valuable part of Barcelona's expansive talent pool.

His transformation began in the Cadete A team. Injuries to the two right-backs prompted coach Iván Carrasco to move Espart to the wing, a role he had never played before, having always been a defensive midfielder. This proved to be a destined move for the career of this Catalan player, born in 2007. President Joan Laporta is already working to secure him, with his current contract expiring in 2030 and featuring a low-cost release clause of around twenty million euros, a potentially risky figure.

Grandfather Josep

The connection to Mollerussa runs deep in his family history. His grandfather, Josep Maria, 91, was born there before moving to Barcelona at eighteen to work in the textile industry. Xavi Espart's family settled in Vilassar de Mar when he was a child. He attended the youth academy of Unió Esportiva. In 2015, at the age of eight, he joined La Masia, where he was initially trained as a midfielder.

Pau Moral, who coached him in Barcelona's youth system, explained to Cadena SER that Espart wasn't considered the star of his generation but established himself through consistency, dedication, and versatility. He was a versatile midfielder, capable of playing on either flank. This adaptability caught Flick's eye, who compared him to Philipp Lahm for his ability to play both as a defensive midfielder and a full-back. Espart experiences this dual role between club and country: he plays in midfield for Spain's youth teams but is used as a winger for Barça.

The Night in Newcastle

Quick and agile, standing at 1.75 meters, his agent is Héctor Peris Ros, who also represents Pedri and Ferran Torres. His debut came on March 10, 2026, in Newcastle, during a Champions League match. A physical issue for Ronald Araújo forced Flick to alter his plans. Espart entered the game in the 88th minute, securing the 1-1 draw with two crucial interventions. The 2025-26 season concluded with six senior team appearances—four in La Liga and two in Europe—the captain's armband for Barça Atlètic, and a summer victory in the Under-19 European Championship with Spain.

That summer, Barcelona permanently integrated him into the first team, assigning him the number 12 shirt. Flick has also deployed him on the left, despite him being naturally right-footed. From this position, he can cut inside to build play with his preferred foot, retaining his core attributes. His first goal arrived on September 13 at the Ciutat de València against Levante: a low right-footed shot from the edge of the area. "Everything happened so quickly. I am very grateful; I'm living a dream," he shared.