​Barcelona rule out new defensive signing to replace Araujo, will count on academy talentRonald Araujo’s imminent departure to Liverpool has forced FC Barcelona to rethink their defensive plans, but it has also accelerated one of the club’s most important internal projects: the promotion of Alvaro Cortes.Indeed, according to SPORT, the Catalans see the La Masia graduate as the replacement for the departing club captain, with the chances of signing a new defender fading.The 21-year-old centre-back has steadily progressed through the Barça ranks and took a significant step forward last season when Hansi Flick handed him his first-team debut.Notably, he started the match and operated as the left-sided centre-back, a role that holds particular importance within Barcelona’s defensive structure.Flick and Deco fully convincedBoth Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco have been highly impressed with Cortes’ development.Set to join Liverpool on loan. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)The plan was already for the defender to remain with the first team this season, but Araujo’s exit has strengthened that decision even further.With one less central defender competing for places, Cortes now has a clearer path to regular involvement, to the point that Barça have decided not to sign a direct replacement for Araujo because of the confidence they have in the academy graduate.As things stand, the club has ruled out pursuing defenders such as Cristian Romero or Aymeric Laporte.Instead, Flick believes he has enough options with Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Andreas Christensen and Cortes, while Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde and even Rodri, who has experience in defence, provide additional cover when needed.A defender who fits Flick’s systemBarcelona’s faith in Cortes extends well beyond his physical attributes. Standing at around 1.90 metres, he is strong in aerial duels and comfortable in physical battles, but what really stands out is his understanding of the position.Set for a bigger role in the senior team. (Photo courtesy: Instagram/alvaarocortes)He is comfortable defending high up the pitch, proactive when stepping out to intercept, and capable of covering large spaces behind the defensive line, qualities that are essential in Flick’s aggressive defensive setup. His ability on the ball is another major asset. Cubarsi remains the cornerstone of the back line, while Martin is also capable of operating on the left side of central defence. Cortes, however, offers something different.His height, anticipation, naturally left-footed distribution and ability to initiate attacks from the back make him a strong alternative without forcing the club to seek solutions in the transfer market.That doesn’t necessarily mean Barcelona are completely finished in the market, as the club continues to assess the balance of the squad and whether another reliable centre-back may eventually be needed.For now, though, Araujo’s exit has transformed Cortes’ outlook. He