Barcelona see 17-year-old La Masia talent as replacement for exit-bound veteran defender

Barcelona have a couple of players whose contracts expire at the end of the season in Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso.

Both the veteran stars, currently sidelined with injuries, have not been regulars in the team, and are staring at uncertain futures at the club.

As far as Roberto is concerned, reports suggest that Barcelona would not be against a renewal and the final decision will rest with the new manager that replaces Xavi in the summer.

Alonso will not be renewed

However, as per Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will not offer Marcos Alonso a new contract, meaning he will be on his way out in the summer.

Signed from Chelsea in 2022, the 33-year-old served as an able backup at left-back and centre-back during his first season at the club, with Xavi putting great faith in him.

However, Alonso’s minutes took a major hit this season with the arrival of Inigo Martinez as well as his own injury issues.

The Spanish left-back has not played since November due to back issues that required him to undergo surgery. Expected to be back next month, Alonso is unlikely to stay much longer at the club, with Atletico Madrid touted as a possible destination.

Hector Fort identified as a replacement

The report from MD further goes on to state that Barcelona see young defender Hector Fort as a possible replacement for Alonso in the summer.

The 17-year-old La Masia prodigy made his first-team breakthrough this season and even though he is a right-back, the Spaniard has shown he can fill in at left-back when needed. In all, he has played five times under Xavi this term, registering two assists as well.

As such, Barça could decide to count on him as the backup left-back next season when Alonso departs. The Catalans would also have the option of Joao Cancelo, if he is signed permanently.