Former coach Tito Vilanova at times even preferred playing full back Adriano Correia in a central role, despite the fact that at 1.72 Adriano was at a considerable height disadvantage defending set pieces. But this season Tata Martino has shown confidence in the youngster, who has previously been a fixture in the Barcelona B-team in the Spanish second division.
With Bartra's future being secured, the club will now turn its attention to renewing full back Martin Montoya, who will also be out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with several sides in England, and Gerard Pique, whose current contract expires at the end of June 2015.
Barcelona will play away in Getafe in the Copa del Rey Thursday night, but after winning the first leg of their last 16 tie 4-0, they are in little danger from a side which has taken just four points from their last eight matches in the Primera Liga.
