Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has definitively excluded young defender Hector Fort from his plans for the upcoming season, confirming the 19-year-old will leave the club on loan in the coming days.
Barcelona Confirm Fort Exit with La Liga Loan Move Imminent
This decision follows weeks of speculation and effectively ends any possibility of Fort remaining with the La Liga champions for the 2025-26 campaign.
Flick’s message was delivered emphatically through team selections. Fort was omitted entirely during Barcelona’s recent Asian pre-season tour and was left out of the matchday squad for their La Liga opener against Mallorca last weekend.
This final snub at Son Moix Stadium signaled that both Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia are firmly ahead of him in the right-back hierarchy.
Clear Pathway Blocked: Club sources acknowledge Fort’s significant potential but stress that regular first-team minutes at a high level are essential for his development.
With Kounde established as the starter and Garcia – revitalized under Flick after nearly leaving in January – providing versatile cover, Fort’s pathway to meaningful playing time at Barcelona this season is completely blocked.
Loan the Only Option: Barcelona have rejected permanent transfer inquiries, including interest from Aston Villa, as they are adamant about retaining control over the La Masia graduate’s long-term future.
A loan exit is now the sole focus. Fort is expected to finalize his destination before the end of next week, with La Liga side Mallorca emerging as the leading contender.
Mallorca, Barcelona’s MD1 opponents, urgently need a right-back replacement for the departing Pablo Maffeo and view Fort as their primary target.
Fort’s sole competitive appearance for Barcelona this season was the league opener against Mallorca – a match that now ironically serves as his farewell before the loan departure the club deems essential for his growth.
Barcelona believe consistent playing time at a club like Mallorca offers Fort the best chance to develop and eventually compete for a starting role at Camp Nou under Flick in future seasons.
