Barça keeps working in this transfer market, not only on incoming signings, but also on the outgoing operation. With the goal of lightening the squad and creating salary space, the blaugrana club has several names on the exit ramp. Among the most urgent cases are Iñaki Peña, Oriol Romeu, and Héctor Fort.
In Oriol Romeu's case, the player has returned to Barça after his loan at Girona, where he had inconsistent performances. Flick doesn't include him in his project and an immediate exit is being sought, either through a transfer or a new loan.
Meanwhile, Iñaki Peña also has to leave. The Alicante goalkeeper is looking for playing time and knows that his role at Barça will be marginal.
Héctor Fort doesn't want to leave, but the club recommends a loan
The third name is Héctor Fort, one of the most delicate decisions the club must face. Héctor Fort isn't willing to leave the club. The youth academy player wants to stay and fight for a spot, but from the sporting management they've made it clear to him that he won't have many opportunities this season.
With Jules Koundé and Eric García occupying the right-back position, the space for Héctor Fort in the rotation is minimal, and the recommendation is that he accept a loan. Barça's goal isn't to part with him permanently, but to give him playing time in a competitive environment where he can develop.
Xavi Espart gains ground as an alternative
Another factor complicating Héctor Fort's situation is that the club isn't fully convinced by his profile. Not only because of his direct competition, but also because a name that excites the technical area has emerged strongly from La Masia. This is Xavi Espart, who initially trained as a midfielder and has been successfully converted into a right-back, following a path similar to Sergi Roberto's at the time.
Xavi Espart currently plays for Juvenil A, where he has left a very good impression both in defense and attack. His ability to read the game from the back, combined with his physique and tactical awareness, make him a future option for that position.
Renewed until 2028
At 18 years old, Xavi has completed a remarkable season with Juvenil A and has been one of the revelations of the youth academy. His progression has been such that, according to the portal E-Notícies, Barça has decided to extend his contract until 2028. Previously, his contract ended in 2026, but the sporting management wanted to get ahead and secure him as soon as possible.