Barcelona clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid, but the match raised more questions than answers for manager Hansi Flick—particularly regarding his rotated lineup. With a crucial Champions League second leg against Inter Milan looming, the spotlight fell on several fringe players given a rare chance to impress.
One of those was young right-back Héctor Fort, whose disappointing performance may have sealed his fate. Despite a promising reputation from La Masia, Fort struggled defensively and failed to meet expectations, allowing Valladolid to exploit his flank repeatedly. While he did contribute offensively with a near-goal effort, his overall display did not convince Flick.
According to El Nacional, the German coach has informed sporting director Deco that Fort is not in his immediate plans and has approved his departure—either through a loan or permanent move. Flick, who values tactical discipline and readiness for high-level competition, reportedly believes Fort lacks the fitness and consistency required at this stage.
This decision underscores the pressure on Barcelona’s squad depth ahead of a make-or-break Champions League clash, where there is no room for error.
