FC Barcelona is still finalizing details in the planning of its squad for next season. As President Joan Laporta publicly stated, the signings section is considered closed with those who have arrived so far. However, there is still work to be done, and this is something Deco, sporting director, and Hansi Flick, coach, are working on together. The idea is to lighten the squad in order to make use of La Masia whenever necessary, also reducing spending on salaries.
First test against Vissel Kobe
After more than two months of break, Barça has returned to the field in top form. It did so by showing a very good image against Vissel Kobe, taking a 3-1 victory. The Japanese team, who had been playing in the league and were in competitive rhythm, could do little against a much superior Barcelona.
First, Eric García opened the scoring on a rebound in the box, starting at right back and responding very positively. Before the end of the first half, Vissel Kobe equalized. In the second half both teams changed all their players, and there was no contest.
Bardghji put Barça ahead again, while the youth player Dro closed the score.
One player pointed out by Hansi Flick
Despite the many rotations, there are several footballers who ended up with zero against Vissel Kobe. However, the most notable case is Héctor Fort. The youth player has been registered with the reserve team since last season but has been training with the first team, and it seems Hansi Flick doesn't really like him much.
His participation last season was limited, with his minutes increasing in the final phase, when everything was already decided. Today in Japan, Héctor Fort is one of the few who ended up with zero, and there are many voices showing him the exit door of Spotify Camp Nou.
Héctor Fort has two key players ahead of him for Flick: Jules Koundé and Eric García, who are close to renewing their contracts. It is a complicated situation for the youth player, who has rejected leaving on several occasions.
However, Flick has reportedly already been clear with him, telling him that if he decides to stay, he will have very few minutes. That, about to turn 19, is not good at all. Beyond his qualities as a footballer, the German coach also doesn't really like his attitude.
Fort has a contract until 2026 and his future at Barça looks complicated. A loan is possible, although his contract would have to be renewed. On the table is the possibility of transferring him, keeping half of his future rights and a buy-back clause. This seems the most likely scenario for the Catalan right back...