FC Barcelona Secures Narrow Win Over Real Valladolid Amid Player Concerns

Barcelona, Spain – FC Barcelona clinched a hard-fought victory against Real Valladolid on May 4, 2025, winning 2-1 in a match that raised more questions than answers about the team’s depth. Motivated by their upcoming Champions League final, coach Hansi Flick opted for a heavily rotated lineup, providing playing time to less frequently used players.

Among them was Héctor Fort, who started at right back. However, the young academy product struggled to meet expectations, and his future at the club now hangs in the balance. With this season largely spent in the shadows of Jules Koundé and Eric García, Fort had a golden opportunity to prove himself to the coaching staff.

Although Fort showed determination in attack—almost scoring with a near-miss shot—his defensive performance fell short. Valladolid, already relegated and feeling little pressure, exploited his flank too easily. Fort was outpaced multiple times and made positional errors that created unnecessary danger for his team. Flick, observing from the bench, was not pleased with Fort’s performance. Although he chose not to substitute him during the game, the overall impression was not encouraging.

Flick appears to lack trust in Fort’s readiness for top-level competition. Throughout the season, he has resorted to unconventional solutions, such as moving García out of position, rather than relying on the young defender. This latest match seems to have cemented Flick’s position: Héctor Fort is not in his immediate plans.

Club sources indicate Flick has communicated his concerns to the sports management, greenlighting efforts to seek a summer transfer—whether through a permanent sale or a loan to another LaLiga club where Fort can gain valuable playing time.

Barcelona listens to offers, with Deco and his team aware that Fort’s development has stagnated. While he retains a good reputation in Spanish football, his lack of appearances and noticeable absence in key matches complicate the prospects for a lucrative sale. Nonetheless, several mid-table clubs in Spain, as well as some abroad, have expressed interest in the 18-year-old defender.

The club aims to finalize an operation that includes a buy-back option or performance clauses, should Fort succeed in a more competitive environment.

Unfortunately for Fort, his association with Barça’s first team seems to be coming to an end, at least for now. His performance against Valladolid served as a defining test for Flick, who does not believe Fort is ready for the demands of Barcelona football. Although his exit may be quiet, it reflects a firm decision within the club’s new sporting model: performance or departure. For the moment, Fort has not made the necessary strides to remain at the club.