Hector Fort has accepted that he could leave Barcelona this summer, with clubs in both Italy and England reportedly monitoring the full-back.
The Barcelona academy graduate’s prospects have not improved during pre-season, with manager Flick’s view of the player understood to remain unchanged. Fort, a lifelong Barcelona supporter, wants to improve his situation but is expected to move on during the current transfer window.
His likely departure is not the result of Fort actively seeking a transfer. However, Barcelona and the player both want the situation resolved as soon as possible, with the start of major competitions approaching.
The uncertainty is considered uncomfortable for all parties, particularly for players who are waiting to discover where they will continue their careers. Barcelona is expected to organise individual training programmes for those players in order to avoid a repeat of the situation involving Balde.
Balde previously trained alone at the club’s discretion before suffering a serious knee injury. That approach also led to controversy around Barcelona’s handling of players who were not part of the manager’s plans.
For Fort, the priority is to find a club where he can play regularly and demonstrate his ability. The player and his representatives are satisfied with his progress, while his loan spell at Elche last season is regarded as a positive stage in his development.
Elche supporters would like to see the full-back return, although the club’s general manager Pedro Schnoka played down the possibility, describing it as merely “rumors.”
Several clubs outside La Liga are understood to be interested in Fort, with teams from both Serie A and the Premier League following his situation.
Internazionale are looking for a right-back and have identified Spence as their main target. The Italian club are reportedly preparing a significant offer for Tottenham, with the deal potentially reaching 30m euros.
Should Internazionale fail to complete that move, Fort is expected to become their leading alternative. The Barcelona defender is therefore central to the club’s recruitment plans, although the Italian side’s first choice remains Spence.
Interest has also emerged from England. Everton, Fulham and Liverpool have all reportedly asked about Fort, with Everton potentially offering the most appealing option for Barcelona and the player.
Fort’s final destination will ultimately depend on his own decision. His contract with Barcelona runs until 2029, meaning the Catalan club are not under immediate pressure to sell, but their sporting department has changed its preferred approach.
The full-back spent last season on loan at Elche without a purchase option being included in the agreement. Barcelona now favour a permanent transfer rather than another temporary move, while seeking to retain a substantial percentage of any future earnings and transfer fees involving the player.
