Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen keep close watch on Barcelona's Xavi Espart

Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have dispatched scouts to Barcelona to monitor 19‑year‑old Xavi Espart, the versatile defender who has recently cemented a place at left‑back despite being naturally right‑footed. The German clubs witnessed his latest league start.

The scouting deployment by both German sides has intensified over the past weeks, with observers present at Barcelona’s most recent fixtures. Their presence underscores a concerted effort to assess the youngster in competitive action.

The German interest arrives at what the club describes as Espart’s peak market value: he is in his first full season with a first‑team contract that runs until 2028, and Barcelona is keen to secure his future.

From Vilassar to Barcelona’s first team

Espart entered La Masia in 2015 from UE Vilassar de Mar, joining the 2007 cohort that also produced Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Marc Bernal. He progressed from a midfield role in the lower ranks to a right‑back position with the B team before being deployed on the opposite flank.

He made his first‑team debut in the Champions League round of 16 against Newcastle. Last season he added six appearances across La Liga and the continental cup, contributing to Barcelona’s league triumph.

During the summer he helped Spain win the Under‑19 European Championship. In his league debut at Elche he completed 85 percent of his passes, a performance that earned him the left‑wing slot from coach Hansi Flick.

On 27 August Barcelona registered Espart as a senior squad member, assigning him the vacant number 12 shirt that had been unused since the 2021/22 campaign.

“It is impressive, he knows what he has to do and is fantastic with the ball,” the German coach summarised after the match, recalling a previous comparison with Philipp Lahm.

Contract extension and market valuation

Espart’s contract was renewed in August 2025 and now expires on 30 June 2028. Barcelona is already preparing a new clause that could reach roughly €500 million, a figure to be finalised once the transfer window closes.

Transfermarkt currently lists his market value at about €5 million and has been adjusting it upwards since his breakthrough.

Both Dortmund and Leverkusen have built their projects around young talent, and Espart’s profile – 19, versatile and already first‑team‑registered – matches that blueprint. Neither club has submitted an offer; their interest remains limited to direct observation while Barcelona finalises his renewal.