Hansi Flick sees returning loanee as potential rival for Barcelona veteran next season – report

Hansi Flick has informed Hector Fort that he will be part of Barcelona’s pre-season plans, with the German coach eager to evaluate the young defender before deciding what role he could play next season.

According to SPORT, Flick recently spoke directly with the full-back and made it clear that he wants him involved in pre-season preparations. 

The Barcelona manager intends to closely assess the 19-year-old’s development following his loan spell at Elche before making a final decision on his future.

It must be noted that with several first-team players expected to return late from the World Cup, pre-season is likely to offer valuable opportunities for academy graduates and returning loanees. 

On that note, Fort is one of the players expected to benefit most from that situation.

After spending the 2025-26 campaign gaining experience away from Camp Nou, the defender now has a chance to prove that he deserves a place in Flick’s project.

Flick wants to assess Fort

Flick will keenly observe Hector Fort. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

According to the outlet, the Barcelona coaching staff is approaching the player’s situation with an open mind.

Rather than making an immediate judgement, Flick wants to see Fort work alongside the first team during training sessions and pre-season matches. 

Hence, the upcoming friendly fixtures will provide an important opportunity to evaluate how he performs in a more competitive environment.

For now, the defender’s future remains undecided, but the fact that Flick personally contacted him shows the club’s interest in taking a closer look before determining the next step.

Fort understands the challenge that awaits

It is said that the young full-back returns to Barcelona knowing that strong pre-season performances could significantly alter his outlook heading into the new campaign.

Fort can stay next season. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

This is because the right-back position is one area where opportunities could emerge, particularly if he demonstrates the qualities the coaching staff believe he possesses.

Within the club, there is a belief that Fort has the potential to compete for minutes behind Jules Kounde.

Not an easy path

Barcelona have been searching for reliable depth in the position, and the coaching staff see similarities between the role Fort could fill and the one Eric Garcia performed so effectively last season.

However, it must be noted that the challenge will not be straightforward, as Xavi Espart is also highly regarded after making a positive impression during his first-team opportunities.

Nevertheless, Barcelona remain convinced that Fort deserves a genuine opportunity to prove himself.