Real Zaragoza academy graduate Álvaro Cortés is leaving for €3.5 million and 50% of his rights, while Barça has also retained a buy-back option. Cortés wanted to remain in Barcelona, but competition in his position and the fact that the reserve team had become too small for him led to his move to Antwerp, where he has signed a contract through 2030.
Of the €3.5 million, Real Zaragoza will receive a small amount through training compensation, as this is an international transfer and the defender is under 23, the age limit for receiving money in this type of deal. Cortés spent four years in Zaragoza's academy, which falls within the parameters established by FIFA.
As a result, the Aragonese club would be entitled to around €40,000 from the transfer. The center-back, who was one of the jewels of the Ciudad Deportiva, joined the Catalan side in 2021 and became the reserve team's captain last season. He even made his first-team debut in a match against Deportivo Alavés. His outstanding form earned him a place at the U-20 World Cup with Spain last season, and he now has an opportunity to continue developing in a league known for producing young players.
