Hansi Flick to assess Hector Fort in Barcelona pre-season

Hansi Flick told 19-year‑old defender Hector Fort he will join Barcelona's pre‑season programme. Flick said he wants Fort involved in training and friendly matches as the club prepares for the new campaign. The German coach will monitor Fort’s development after his loan spell at Elche. Flick plans to assess the full‑back during pre‑season sessions before deciding on his role for next season. Fort could challenge for the right‑back position behind Jules Kounde. He will also compete with Eric Garcia and Xavi Espart, who have each earned first‑team minutes recently. With several first‑team players expected to return late from the World Cup, the pre‑season period offers opportunities for academy graduates and returning loanees such as Fort.