Barcelona pleased with 19-year-old defender’s progress during Elche loan | OneFootball

Hector Fort is one of the FC Barcelona players who is currently playing away from the club on loan. He joined the La Liga side Elche last summer, and seemingly, he is taking full advantage of playing for a top-division side without the pressure present at a club as big as Barcelona.

In fact, Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona are closely monitoring Fort’s development and are satisfied with the progress he is making under Eder Sarabia.

Within the club, there is a clear belief that this loan spell is fulfilling its purpose, providing the young full-back with rhythm, responsibility, and maturity. In fact, with Barcelona already planning how to strengthen the right back position in the medium term, Fort is increasingly viewed as a genuine and recoverable option for Hansi Flick.

The 19-year-old La Masia product, who made his first-team debut under Xavi and has represented Spain at every youth level, has gradually earned a more prominent role at Elche.

After a quiet start to the season, his importance has grown notably since November. Even in limited minutes against Barcelona earlier in the campaign, he stood out, before continuing to build momentum with appearances against Real Sociedad and a run of consecutive starts.

Sarabia is deploying Fort as a right wing back in a back five system, a role that demands defensive discipline while also giving him freedom to push forward. This tactical setup has highlighted his attacking strengths without neglecting his defensive development.

Despite playing fewer than 500 minutes across competitions, Fort has already contributed two goals and two assists, an impressive return for a defender still adapting to elite-level football.

His most eye-catching performance came against Rayo Vallecano, when he scored his first La Liga goal just six minutes into the match with a composed individual action. Although he was forced off shortly after due to a shoulder injury suffered during the celebration, his impact was decisive, and he was named Man of the Match.

(Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Beyond the numbers, Barcelona value the personal growth Fort is showing away from home and outside the constant media focus that surrounds the club. His versatility is also appreciated, as he is capable of operating on either flank, increasing his usefulness as a future squad option.

Hansi Flick reportedly holds Fort in high regard, something that was evident in the warm exchange between the two when Elche faced Barcelona earlier this season. The German coach has followed his progress closely and sees the loan as a crucial step in the player’s development.

Barcelona believe this is another example of a well-executed loan strategy, similar to previous successes with academy players. If Fort continues on this trajectory, his name is firmly on the list as a realistic defensive option for the near future at the Camp Nou.