Barcelona's sporting management has already started making moves in this summer transfer window. The club's sporting planning is not only about bringing in reinforcements, but also about finding an exit for players who aren't in Hansi Flick's plans. In that sense, one of the most urgent focuses is on the right-back position, where Jules Koundé has taken on almost all the responsibility this season.
Without a natural replacement who has convinced the coaching staff, the club considers it necessary to look for alternatives in the market. Meanwhile, the sporting management led by Deco is working to lighten the squad, especially with footballers who haven't had continuity. Several names appear on the list of players discarded by the Barça coach, but there's one in particular who is especially concerning due to his stagnation as a blaugrana.
Valencia moves in the market
Héctor Fort is one of the names that generates the most uncertainty in Barça's offices, since he has been relegated to the bench during the last season. The decision has been made: Barça wants to make space, and Fort is on the way out. In this scenario, Valencia has emerged as the main candidate to acquire the young defender's services.
The club led by Carlos Corberán has shown real interest in bringing in Héctor Fort, and has sped up talks with Joan Laporta and Deco to close the deal. The idea is to take advantage of the fact that the footballer isn't in Flick's plans and find a formula that benefits all parties.
Corberán especially values the player's versatility, as he's able to play on both sides of the defense and even as a center-back. The coach believes he can adapt perfectly to the team's style and grow in a competitive environment like Mestalla. That's why he's already given the green light to the sporting management to move forward with negotiations as soon as possible, before other teams join the race.
A scenario with no place for Héctor Fort
Despite his desire to succeed as a blaugrana, Fort knows that the path to the first team has become more complicated than ever. With players like Jules Koundé, Eric García, or Araújo ahead of him, and the possibility of a new defensive reinforcement arriving, his minutes would be almost nonexistent. On top of that, Flick has been clear with him: he isn't counting on his participation for the upcoming season.
The full-back has had the support of teammates like Lamine Yamal or Pau Cubarsí, who've tried to advocate for a second chance. However, from Barça's offices a firm stance has already been taken. The priority is to free up roster spots, create salary space, and bet on footballers who are fully in the new coach's plans.