Hector Fort is back at Barcelona, and his mission is crystal clear: he’s not packing his bags again. The 19-year-old defender has returned from his loan spell with one single goal this summer, to stay and fight for a spot in the first team. He’s already wasted zero time making his intentions known, and you just know Hansi Flick is paying close attention.
The Right-Back Puzzle and Fort’s Full-Throttle Return
Look, the right-back spot at Barcelona has been a huge question mark for a minute now. Jules Kounde was inconsistent last season, to put it mildly, and there have been whispers that Eric Garcia might even be a better fit for Flick’s vision. But now, you’ve got Fort exploding back onto the scene. He spent his loan at Elche developing into a more mature, attack-minded player under Eder Sarabia, and this kid feels absolutely ready. We’re talking about his third season in the top flight already, despite being just 19. Flick gave him chances a couple seasons ago but clearly wanted him to get more experience, and boy, did he ever.
Making a Statement: The Goal That Caught Everyone’s Eye
Talk about making a statement right off the bat, huh? Fort was among the goal scorers in Barcelona’s 4-1 training win over CE Europa. It wasn’t just some tap-in, either. He netted with a powerful, well-placed finish, arriving late from deep after a great play from Shane Kluivert. That’s exactly the kind of attacking instinct Flick wants from his full-backs, and it showcased exactly how much Fort has developed. This isn’t just a friendly kick-about; this is a full-blown audition. And with Kounde no longer looking like an undisputed starter, and even the potential arrival of Joao Cancelo not totally closing the door if Cancelo sticks to left-back, Fort’s path looks clearer than it ever has.
The pre-season is only just getting started, but it’s going to be absolutely critical for Fort. Barcelona’s upcoming tour of England, with matches against Birmingham City and Nottingham Forest, will give him two more huge opportunities to prove he belongs. He’s taken the first step, now let’s see if he can keep running.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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