Fútbol Club Barcelona has resolved the future of Héctor Fort in the last hours of the summer market. The right-back, one of the most promising youth players from La Masia, will play on loan at Elche CF until June 30, 2026.

The operation was closed after confirming Fermín López's 'no' to Chelsea's offer and that he would continue in the Blaugrana discipline, thus becoming the last movement of the squad in this transfer window.

Héctor Fort and Barça bet on minutes and growth

Barça believes that Héctor Fort needs a competitive environment where he can accumulate experience in the First Division. Under the orders of Hansi Flick, his presence was limited by the exponential competition of Jules Koundé at right-back, which made it unlikely that he would have continuity.

At the Martínez Valero, on the other hand, the young footballer from La Masia will have more opportunities to demonstrate his enormous quality in the highest category of Spanish football.

Elche, a destination with a Blaugrana stamp

The choice of Elche is no coincidence. The Franjiverde team, led by Eder Sarabia, has been reinforced with several young profiles and has an ambitious project in LaLiga. In addition, Fort will coincide with Iñaki Peña, also on loan from Barça, which will facilitate his adaptation within the dressing room.

The Elche club is confident that the young Barcelona defender will bring intensity, versatility and offensive projection down the right flank.

A market with several suitors

Throughout the summer, Héctor Fort was linked to different teams. Among them, RCD Mallorca seemed the most advanced option, but finally Elche convinced the player and Barça.

There were also reports of interest from foreign leagues, with names such as Borussia Dortmund, Milan, Ajax and even París FC. However, the Blaugrana club prioritized that the youth player remain in a team in LaLiga EA Sports.

The profile of Héctor Fort

Héctor Fort will play on loan at Elche

Born in Les Corts (Barcelona), Fort has established himself as one of the full-backs with the greatest projection in the Culé academy. At just 18 years old, he has already made his debut with the first team and left a good impression in his first appearances.

His defensive strength, physical capacity and offensive character make him an extremely valuable resource both for the present and for the future of the Blaugrana club.

Héctor Fort's data with Barcelona

Competition Matches Goals Assists
LaLiga 24 0 2
Champions 3 0 0
Cup 3 0 1
Total 30 0 3

SOURCE: Transfermarkt

Barça's plan with Fort

The loan is part of Barça's strategy to give opportunities to young talents who do not have an immediate place in Hansi Flick's squad. The idea is that he will return in 2026 with more experience in the elite, ready to compete for a place in the first team.

His development will be closely followed by the technical secretariat and it is not ruled out that, in the event of outstanding performance, the club will consider his early return.

With the departure of Héctor Fort to Elche, Barça closes a transfer market marked by a firm commitment to the youth academy and the shielding of key players such as Fermín López. Attention is now focused on the start of the season and on checking how the loaned players respond to their new challenges.