Hansi Flick has been highly impressed by one of Barcelona’s loan stars and is closely monitoring him ahead of pre-season.
Facing persistent financial constraints and strict La Liga registration limits, the German manager has turned his attention toward the club’s returning loan army to find internal solutions for key positions.
Rather than demanding expensive marquee signings, the coaching staff has spent weeks reviewing performance data and match footage from across Europe to identify overlooked assets capable of making an immediate impact on the first team.
While external focus remains fixed on the transfer market, a surprise tactical battle is brewing in the defensive department.
The young defender who has completely won over the Barcelona manager is 19-year-old right-back Héctor Fort.
Having spent the season developing his game on loan at Elche, the La Masia graduate has returned to the club with a massive point to prove.
According to a report by Diario Sport, Hansi Flick has been incredibly pleasantly surprised by Fort’s tactical maturity, physical progression, and readiness to compete at the highest level despite a shoulder injury that interrupted his campaign.
In fact, the German coach is so thoroughly convinced by the youngster’s profile that he views Fort as the only returning loanee with a realistic path back, serving as a potential direct rival to challenge Barcelona’s established defensive veterans for a place next season.
This sudden development completely reshapes Barcelona’s summer transfer strategy.
Initially, the sports management team had intended to scour the market for additional defensive depth.
However, Flick’s immense confidence in Fort has effectively shifted the focus to internal promotion.
The manager values Fort’s defensive discipline and versatility, believing that healthy internal competition will push the entire backline to excel.
Fort is fully expected to join the first team for pre-season training starting July 13, where he will have the ultimate opportunity to go head-to-head with other prospects in front of Flick to cement his place in the permanent rotation.
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