Returning Barcelona loanee set to receive pre-season chance under Hansi Flick

Barcelona may not have used the loan option to develop players as much as some other clubs in Europe, but it has proven to be a very viable method on the few occasions they have done so.

Eric Garcia is the best example of what a successful loan spell can do to someone’s career. He went from being a Barça flop to one of the most important players in Hansi Flick’s team.

Among the youngsters loaned out last season was Hector Fort, who joined Elche on loan to play under Eder Sarabia.

He has now returned to Barcelona, and according to SPORT, Flick has informed the 19-year-old that he is counting on him at least for the start of training.

Fort’s season at Elche gave Barça something useful to study. He did not simply collect minutes, he discovered a role that suited many of his best qualities.

Under Eder Sarabia, he looked especially dangerous as a right wing-back, a position that gave him more freedom to attack.

A wing-back version that impressed

Hector Fort will do pre-season under Flick. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The key change came when Elche used three centre-backs and wing-backs, allowing Fort to play in a space between full-back and winger.

That role helped show his pace, power and ability to break forward, traits Barça had seen in him since his early academy years.

Unfortunately, his shoulder injury interrupted the momentum, and after returning, he had a more secondary role as Elche fought for survival.

Even so, the loan should be viewed as a step forward. Fort learned, adapted and showed he can impact La Liga matches.

The Barça challenge is different

The question now is whether that version of Fort fits what Barcelona need. At Elche, he could attack with more freedom.

At Barça, especially on the right, the role is more controlled because Lamine Yamal usually needs the full-back behind him to offer balance and protection.

Fort will get a chance to prove himself. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

That is the tactical challenge. Flick has often leaned towards asymmetry, with a more offensive left-back and a more conservative right-back.

Fort’s biggest test will be defensive maturity, not attacking confidence. This has been the one aspect of his game that has left a lot to be desired in the past.

Competition also makes the path difficult. Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde are established options on the right, while Xavi Espart is another name around the position.

One major advantage for Fort, though, is that the former two names are away on international duty and might not be back in time for pre-season, giving him a chance to go head-to-head with Espart.

This pre-season is massive for Hector Fort. It could make or break his Barça career, and it remains to be seen whether he takes his chance and impresses Flick in the months to come.