Everton has been linked with a transfer for Barcelona right-back Hector Fort. Fort spent the last season on loan at Elche. The interest comes as the club seeks to strengthen its right-back position, a need highlighted by comments from Prime Minister Andy Burnham, an Everton season ticket holder.
Burnham, in an interview, advocated for the club to sign a right-back, noting that Jake O’Brien, a natural centre-back, had been playing in the role. O’Brien subsequently started the game in Stuttgart in his natural position of centre-back. An early injury in that game led to a tactical adjustment, with Merlin Rohl, who had been deputising at right-back, moving into midfield.
Transfer Interest and Player Profile
Reports indicate that Fort has received permission to leave Barcelona this summer. Everton and Fulham are among the clubs reportedly keen to secure his services, with both clubs preferring a permanent transfer. Liverpool and Internazionale have also shown interest in the player.
Fort, born in Barcelona on August 2, 2006, made his senior debut in a Champions League match. He has made appearances for Barcelona. During his loan spell at Elche last season, he played matches and scored goals.
Fulham coach Alvaro Arbeloa is reportedly pursuing Fort as part of an ongoing squad rebuild, which has included signing young talents from the Spanish league. Arbeloa has asked his club’s management to inquire about the financial terms for Fort, with a potential transfer fee close to 10 million euros being discussed. This suggests a permanent departure for Fort from Barcelona.
Statistical Comparison and Playing Style
Analysis of Fort‘s statistics suggests he is a promising player. His performance data from La Liga has been compared to Premier League players in his position. While his playing style is difficult to fully ascertain due to limited minutes, he scores highest as a wing-back, followed by two-way full-back, playmaker back, and defensive full-back.
In terms of physical attributes, Fort‘s distance covered per minute is notable, with only Timothy Castagne of Fulham exceeding his 111m. However, his average total distance per 90 minutes (6.36km) is lower than most Premier League players in his position, with Daniel Munoz of Crystal Palace topping this category. His maximum speed of 31.62km is also lower than his peers in the English top flight, with Jackson Tchatchoua of Wolverhampton Wanderers recording the highest.
Offensively, Fort averages more assists per 90 minutes (0.22) than any other Premier League player in his position, surpassing Jurrien Timber of Arsenal and Matheus Nunes of Liverpool, both at 0.15. He would rank second for opportunities converted (0.22), behind Dominik Szoboszlai (0.25), and third for playing in scoring attacks (0.67), behind Nunes (0.82) and Szoboszlai (0.81).
Defensively, Fort records fewer interceptions per 90 minutes (1.33) and ball recoveries (2) compared to Premier League players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka of West Ham United and Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest, respectively. However, he demonstrates strong possession retention, with fewer ball losses per 90 minutes (4) than Adam Smith of Bournemouth (4.33).
In passing, Fort‘s 63% success rate for long passes is only bettered by Diogo Dalot of Manchester United (65%). Despite this, he attempts fewer passes per 90 minutes (12.33) and has fewer successful passes (9.67) than most Premier League players in his position, a category led by Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones of Liverpool, respectively.
Given Everton‘s past experiences with players from Barcelona, including Gerard Deulofeu, Lucas Digne, Yerry Mina, and Andre Gomes, a cautious approach to any potential transfer for Fort might be considered.
Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
