Headline: Everton Leads Race to Sign Barcelona Right-Back Héctor Fort Amidst Increased Competition
Everton has positioned itself ahead of Liverpool and Fulham in the pursuit of Barcelona right-back Héctor Fort, according to reports from Diario Sport. Inter Milan had initially shown interest in the 20-year-old Spain U20 international, but their focus has shifted following the arrival of Djed Spence from Tottenham. As a result, Everton appears to have the upper hand, as Barcelona views the Merseyside club as capable of presenting the most appealing offer.
Fort’s prospects at Barcelona have changed recently as Hansi Flick has excluded him from the team’s plans, leading to training sessions away from the main group. Barcelona is not looking for another loan deal this summer but prefers a permanent transfer, along with a substantial future sell-on percentage included in the agreement.
During the 2025/26 season, Fort spent time on loan at Elche, where he made 14 appearances, clocked up 482 minutes, and recorded two goals and two assists. He also contributed one goal in three Copa del Rey matches, bringing his total goals for the season to three.
As Everton enters the negotiation process, they face a pressing need for a right-back, a position that Jake O’Brien covered during pre-season, including during Everton’s 3-1 loss to Stuttgart. Club officials, including Andy Burnham, have emphasized the need for a solution, but there is caution against making an impulsive payment of €15m-€20m upfront.
Fort possesses several promising qualities. Having developed through La Masia, he carries valuable experience from Barcelona and demonstrated his offensive capabilities at Elche with two league goals and two assists. However, Everton would not be acquiring a guaranteed Premier League starter just yet—they would be investing in potential.
A proposed offer starting at €10m with performance-related add-ons may be a more prudent approach. With Barcelona keen on a permanent transfer for Fort, this situation could provide room for negotiation. Everton can offer upfront cash while also safeguarding themselves from potential losses associated with high-risk investments. Additionally, a buy-back clause could give Barcelona a stake in Fort’s future while a 20% sell-on percentage could make the deal more attractive without placing an excessive financial burden on Everton now.
This strategic negotiation is crucial for a club on the brink of a new stadium era and under scrutiny. Fort has the potential to evolve into a reliable right-back if his attacking record from Elche translates effectively to the Premier League. However, committing €20m before he demonstrates his ability to perform defensively in England would be an unwise risk. It is important for Everton to prioritize this position, target the player, and navigate the negotiations with Barcelona in a balanced manner, reflecting both their needs and the player’s true market value.
Diario Sport, as reported by Sport Witness, says Everton, Liverpool and Fulham have entered the race for Barcelona right-back Héctor Fort. Inter Milan had considered the Spain U20 international, yet their interest has cooled after Djed Spence arrived from Tottenham. That leaves three Premier League clubs in contention, with Everton holding the strongest position because Barcelona believe the Merseyside club can put forward the most attractive proposal.
Everton face competition for 20-year-old Barcelona right-back
Fort, aged 20, had hoped to stay at the Camp Nou, but his situation has changed. Reports say Hansi Flick has left him outside his plans, and the defender has been training separately from the main group. Barcelona want a permanent transfer this summer rather than another loan, while the Catalan club want a significant future sell-on percentage.
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Fort spent 2025/26 on loan at Elche, where La Liga records credit him with 14 appearances, 482 minutes, two goals and two assists. He scored once in three Copa del Rey matches, taking his season total to three goals.
T4O take: Everton should push for a protected deal
UDINE, ITALY – AUGUST 08: Hector Fort of Barcelona looks on during the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup match between Udinese and Barcelona at Bluenergy Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
The need at right-back is obvious, but desperation should never dictate the fee. Jake O’Brien covered the position during pre-season, including Everton’s 3-1 defeat at Stuttgart, while the club have searched for a specialist option. Andy Burnham has urged the club to solve the problem. That pressure doesn’t make a €15m-€20m upfront payment sensible.
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Fort has some positive traits. He came through La Masia, has Barcelona experience and showed attacking value at Elche, where he produced two league goals and two assists. Yet that workload matters. Everton would buy potential, not a proven Premier League starter.
Everton can use Barcelona’s urgency
A €10m starting fee with demanding add-ons makes more sense. Barcelona want a permanent exit, and that creates room for negotiation because Everton can offer cash while protecting themselves from a poor-value gamble. A buy-back clause would give Barcelona control over Fort’s future, while a 20% sell-on percentage could sweeten the deal without forcing Everton to overpay today.
That structure matters for a club entering a new stadium era with scrutiny. Fort could develop into a useful long-term right-back if his Elche attacking output translates to England. Still, paying €20m before he proves he can handle Premier League defending would be a needless punt. Everton should make the position a priority, make the player a target, then make Barcelona accept the risk alongside them. That is the sensible balance between need and valuation.
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