Fulham have set their sights on a Barcelona defender and are preparing a bold move to bring him to Craven Cottage.
With sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick carefully balancing squad depth, wage structures, and tactical requirements ahead of the new campaign, several high-potential academy starlets have found themselves at a career crossroads.
While Barcelona remain focused on streamlining their first-team roster, Premier League suitors are eager to pounce on any underlying uncertainty in Catalonia.
However, with his path to regular minutes heavily congested in Catalonia, a move to England is fast becoming a realistic prospect.
The player at the center of this English pursuit is 20-year-old right-back Hector Fort, who is valued at around €10 million, spent last season on loan at Elche, recovering strongly from injury to finish the campaign in solid form, as reported by Diario Sport.
Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa has specifically identified the La Masia graduate as an ideal addition to his defensive unit and has instructed the London club to sound out the financial terms required to bring him to Craven Cottage.
Barcelona’s current right-back hierarchy presents steep competition for the youngster. Jules Kounde remains established as the primary starter, while the expected return of Joao Cancelo further shrinks available playing time.
Additionally, Hansi Flick has been immensely impressed by the rapid development of youth prospect Xavi Espart, who has moved ahead of Fort in pre-season plans.
Fulham are not the only Premier League club paying close attention, with Everton also retaining interest in the Spanish starlet.
Nonetheless, Arbeloa’s clear willingness to trust young talent gives Fulham an attractive pitch as they attempt to wrap up a deal.
Whether structured as a permanent transfer with buyback conditions or a direct loan, Fort’s potential arrival at Craven Cottage would represent an exciting step in his professional growth.
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