RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesReport: Everton are in the race to sign Barcelona star
Everton Eye Hector Fort Transfer as Barcelona Open Door to Summer Exit
Everton are exploring a move for Barcelona defender Hector Fort, with the 20-year-old now available this summer as the Spanish club reshape their plans. According to TeamTalk , Fort has been given permission to find a new club, and that development has quickly placed Everton in a competitive queue.
The Merseyside club are understood to be keen on a permanent deal, which is significant given Barcelona’s preference to cash in. As reported, “Hector Fort has been told he can leave Barcelona this summer, with Everton and Fulham among the clubs keen to take advantage of the situation”. That framing matters. Everton are not simply tracking a talented young defender, they are moving in a market where the selling club have already signalled their stance.
Hector Fort Transfer Interest Builds
Fort spent last season on loan at Elche and now appears to be entering a decisive phase in his career. Barcelona’s view is clear, “Barcelona are open to either a loan or permanent transfer, but TEAMtalk understands the Catalan giants would much rather sell Fort this summer.” For Everton, that could create an opening if the finances are workable.
Photo: IMAGO
There is competition. Fulham are in the mix, Inter Milan are watching developments and Racing Santander have made a loan approach. Liverpool have also been mentioned among clubs who admire the defender, although their defensive planning may now be heading in another direction. From Everton’s perspective, the key point is that a permanent solution is available, and that suits their stated interest.
Barcelona Defender Fits Everton Need
Fort’s appeal comes from profile as much as price. He is young, technically schooled and capable across multiple defensive roles. The original report notes, “Fort’s versatility is one of the reasons he has attracted such strong interest. He can operate at right-back and in other defensive positions”. That versatility would naturally appeal to David Moyes, particularly in a squad that may need flexibility across a long campaign.
Everton’s search for a right-back has been well documented, and this latest update reinforces the wider picture. “TEAMtalk has consistently reported how a new right-back is a top priority for Everton this summer.” The club are still in discussions over Alistair Johnston, yet this Fort development suggests they are keeping several options alive at once.
Everton Transfer Plans Could Shift Further
There is another detail worth noting. “Two new faces could mean that Nathan Patterson is allowed to leave, with the Scottish international open to taking on a new challenge.” If Everton do push hard for Fort, it may not be an isolated move. It could form part of a broader reshaping at right-back, with incoming competition and possible outgoing business linked together.
For now, Everton appear firmly involved in the Hector Fort transfer race. Barcelona want clarity, the player needs first-team football and the Premier League club have a recognised need in that area. That combination gives this story substance as the summer window develops.
Our View
As an Everton supporter, this is the kind of report that sparks genuine intrigue. Hector Fort feels like a smart market opportunity, a young Barcelona defender who may be available before his value really takes off. When you read that “Fort’s versatility is one of the reasons he has attracted such strong interest”, it is easy to see why Everton would be tempted.
The most encouraging part is the permanent angle. Everton need to keep building with purpose, not just patch holes for a season. If Barcelona “would much rather sell Fort this summer”, then there may be a deal there for a club willing to be decisive. That should be Everton’s mindset.
There is also a wider squad logic to it. David Moyes will want defenders he can trust in more than one role, and Fort appears to offer exactly that. At 20, he would also fit the idea of bringing in players who can develop, improve and potentially become major assets.
Of course, supporters will wonder whether Everton can get this done with Fulham and Inter Milan around, and with other right-back targets still being discussed. Yet that should not put the club off. If anything, it underlines the importance of acting early.
From an Everton point of view, this feels like a signing with upside. It is not risk-free, no move at this level ever is, but it has clear logic. If the recruitment team believe Fort is ready for Premier League football, then this is one worth pushing hard on.
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