Héctor Fort, on the ropes: Will Flick count on him?

Published New:15/07/2025 - 22:15h

Updated New:15/07/2025 - 22:15h

Héctor Fort started the preseason as the third option for right backs. In addition, the defender violated an unquestionable rule for Hansi Flick: punctuality

FC Barcelona has not yet defined the future of Héctor Fort this summer. The full-back has a contract until 2026 and his renewal has not yet been finalized, although it was planned to extend his link with the club until 2029 once the youth player turned 18.

In 24/25, the '32' played 21 matches (710 minutes), being the defender with the least participation in the squad after Andreas Christensen. The Dane, however, was practically injured all season and only reappeared in May with the team.

In that sense, Fort starts the preseason knowing that he is the third option for the right back. Although he is the only natural player in this position, Jules Koundé and Eric García are the first alternatives in Hansi Flick's plans.

The Frenchman has been performing at a very high level for two seasons, while the player from Martorell closed 24/25 as a starter on the wing after the '23' injury. Despite this complex scenario, Héctor does not see his departure clearly in the summer market.

Hansi Flick, annoyed with Héctor Fort at the start of the preseason

However, the 18-year-old defender has started the preseason on the wrong foot, after violating one of the 'sacred' rules of the coach. Fort arrived several minutes late to the first session on Monday, a mistake that already cost Koundé a starting place in two league games the previous year.

Another who paid dearly for being late to a technical talk was Iñaki Peña. The goalkeeper lost his place to Wojciech Szczesny in January for this reason and, finally, the Pole left him out of the squad for next season, although the Alicante native has one more year of contract.

For Héctor, the luck could be similar this summer, considering that both Jules and Eric have Flick's confidence to defend the right wing. García, yes, must also renew before, as he only has a contract for one more year with the club.

What will be the future of Héctor Fort? Barça has not yet received offers

At the moment, the Barça board has not received formal offers for the '32', although several teams are attentive to his future. In January, the Italian Como explored the possibility of signing him, while in recent weeks PSV Eindhoven and Ajax have also been mentioned as possible destinations for the Catalan defender.

Héctor Fort arrived at the club in 2021 and has 30 appearances with the first team and another 18 with the reserve team. His termination clause was not revealed after his last renewal, but Barça could let him leave for around 10 million euros (his current value).