The start of the season at FC Barcelona has been marked by Hansi Flick's demand to restructure the squad. The German coach has made it clear that he wants a competitive group with playing time well distributed, which means reducing the number of players in positions where there is an excess. Joan Laporta and Deco, aware of the importance of complying with La Liga's salary limits, are working to move out several footballers who are not part of the plans.
The first departures have already taken place: Íñigo Martínez and Ansu Fati left the Catalan club, freeing up space in the wage bill and closing a chapter in the locker room. In addition, the management of Marc-André ter Stegen's injury, which will allow part of his salary to be released while he is sidelined, has temporarily eased the accounts. However, it is not enough: Flick insists that more deals still need to be completed before August 31.
On the way out
One of the names on that list of players to be released is Héctor Fort. The young full-back did not convince the German coach last season, and although he traveled on the Asian tour, he barely played a role. The message was clear: his role will be marginal if he stays, and he will even have fewer opportunities than last season.
With Eric García now taking on an important role at right-back, Fort's outlook is even more complicated. The club considered a loan in January, but the footballer himself rejected that possibility. Now, however, the situation is different: several La Liga and foreign teams have shown interest in signing him.
Paris FC, Alavés, Elche, Oviedo, and Mallorca have inquired about his situation, and neither a loan nor a permanent transfer is ruled out. At Camp Nou, they know that the best thing for his development is to find him a destination where he can play regularly.
Flick doesn't want to wait any longer
The German coach has been blunt in his conversations with the board: he doesn't want players in the squad who are not going to contribute. His goal is to work with a small group, focused on competing at the highest level and without distractions. That's why Fort's departure is considered a priority and Flick hopes it will be finalized before the transfer window closes.
In addition, his decision is not only based on sporting criteria. Flick was also upset by the youth player's behavior during preseason, arriving late to one of the first training sessions. That gesture was not well received by the coaching staff, who want to establish firm discipline in the locker room.
Laporta and Deco, in line with the coach, are already working to speed up the process.