According to reports attributed to Diario Sport, Flick has decided that Xavi Espart is his preferred backup option at right-back, ahead of Héctor Fort, with Fort now expected to leave Barcelona. 👀
This is a significant development for Espart, a La Masia product who has been quietly forcing his way into the first-team picture. The youngster is naturally versatile, capable of playing in midfield as well as at full-back, and Barcelona’s official profile describes him as a player who can operate centrally, out wide and in defence.
🔥 Flick has clearly been impressed.
Espart’s recent rise has reportedly caught the German coach’s attention during pre-season. His composure, tactical intelligence and ability to contribute during build-up play have strengthened his case for a bigger role with the senior team. Reports have even highlighted Flick’s praise for the youngster’s performance at right-back during the club’s preparations.
The decision could have major consequences for Héctor Fort.
Fort is another highly-rated La Masia graduate who has already gained valuable first-team experience with Barcelona. However, his pathway to regular minutes has become increasingly complicated, and reports indicate that the club is now accelerating his departure.
💥 The message from Flick appears clear: Espart is ahead of Fort in the current pecking order.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Barcelona have lost faith in Fort. Far from it. The club reportedly wants to maintain control of his future and could seek a permanent transfer with a buy-back clause, while several clubs have shown interest in the young defender.
Meanwhile, Espart is enjoying the kind of breakthrough every La Masia youngster dreams about. After progressing through Barcelona’s academy, he has developed into a versatile defender who can adapt to different tactical demands. His ability to move between midfield and the full-back position could be particularly valuable to Flick.
🔵🔴 And this is where things get really interesting for Barça fans.
Barcelona have increasingly relied on academy players to provide squad depth while navigating financial restrictions, and Espart’s emergence could give Flick another homegrown option without the need for an expensive signing.
With the right-back position already attracting plenty of attention, Espart’s promotion could become one of the most intriguing youth stories of Barcelona’s new campaign. 👀🔥
For Fort, however, the writing may now be on the wall.
A player once viewed as an exciting part of Barça’s defensive future could soon be looking for regular first-team football elsewhere, while Espart appears ready to grab the opportunity with both hands. ⚡
La Masia has produced another contender… and Hansi Flick seems ready to trust him. 🔥🔵🔴
