At a club like Barcelona, securing long-term commitment from elite academy prospects remains a top priority.
Xavi Espart has agreed a new long-term contract with the club. The highly-rated La Masia graduate has committed his future to the Catalan club under a new long-term agreement after his rapid breakthrough into the first team, solidifying his role in Deco's long-term sporting vision.
He has been a key player for the club this season, featuring consistently in Hansi Flick's lineups.
Barcelona Renew Xavi Espart Until 2030 After La Masia Breakthrough
Barcelona have officially announced a contract extension for 19-year-old Spanish youth international Xavi Espart, rewarding him for his impressive start to life in the senior team.
He has extended his contract with the club until June 2030, and will formally sign in a ceremony in the coming days.
Following negotiations overseen by sporting director Deco, the agreement comes after Espart's rapid progression from the academy into the first team.
The updated contract grants the teenager an improved salary structure and a raised buyout clause, strengthening Barcelona's position as they secure the future of one of their versatile young players.
He will move from an academy deal to a first-team one, much like Hamza Abdelkarim did earlier this summer.
How Xavi Espart Has Earned a Bigger Role Under Hansi Flick
Xavi Espart made his Barcelona first-team debut in March 2026, almost 11 years after joining La Masia.
He made six first-team appearances during the 2025/26 season as the Catalan giants won La Liga, and was included by manager Flick in the squad for pre-season.
The youngster impressed in pre-season and has been used primarily at left-back this season despite developing as a midfielder and also playing regularly at right-back.
His performances have seen Flick trust him regularly at left-back, with Espart emerging as an alternative to Alejandro Balde.
The new deal handed to the youngster forms part of a broader, proactive contract strategy led by Deco and president Joan Laporta to protect Barcelona's talent pipeline.
Espart’s commitment reflects Hansi Flick's intent to integrate La Masia products into the broader squad foundation.
His ability to operate across midfield and both full-back positions gives Flick additional flexibility as the club plans for sustained competitive success.
3 Lessons Young Players Can Learn From Xavi Espart
- Develop Tactical Versatility Early: Young players must learn to play in multiple positions from a young age, as it opens many doors for them throughout their careers.
- Turn First-Team Opportunities Into Progress: Youngsters must prove their worth on the pitch and let their football do the talking, rather than pushing for better financial terms and bigger contracts before they show their quality to the team.
- Value a Clear Pathway Over Immediate External Offers: Young players must prioritise clear pathways, particularly when they play in an academy system that actively promotes youth into the senior team. In this environment, they can benefit from a clearer route towards senior football, while weighing external opportunities against the quality of their potential pathway into senior football.





