Xavi has told Everton exactly why they must accelerate Hector Fort move
Xavi Hernandez's praise of Hector Fort should show Everton exactly why they must make a move for his services this month.
Fort has emerged onto the Toffees' radar as they eye a new right-back addition this summer.
Fans are demanding a new signing in the position after a season of Jake O'Brien playing out of position under David Moyes.
Several targets have been linked to the Merseyside club with the season soon to get underway, and Fort could represent a shrewd cut-price option with lofty potential for the future.
The 20-year-old has spent several seasons on the fringes of the Barca squad after being fast-tracked to the first team by club legend Xavi.
He most recently spent the season out on loan at Elche, proving that he has what it takes to thrive in a top European league.
Xavi once compared Hector Fort's progress to Lamine Yamal
Fort joined Barcelona's La Masia academy at the age of seven and progressed through every age group to make his senior debut in December 2023.
The then-17-year-old featured from the off in the Champions League against Royal Antwerp before being replaced by Joao Cancelo on the hour mark.
He was praised by the manager after the game, as he said: "Versatile, he can play as a centre-back or full-back on either side. He has character, he’s young, but he’s ready. We like him, especially defensively."
Fort continued to play his part for the Catalan giants into the 2023-24 campaign, and his positive impact off the bench against Athletic Club in January 2024 saw Xavi compare his progress to that of his fellow La Masia graduates.
He said: “Hector Fort was exceptional, like (Pau) Cubarsi and Lamine (Yamal). He's a total guarantee…he sees the pass well, doesn’t lose the ball, positions himself well…he is a footballer of the present.”
Fort could now leave the Nou Camp after 13 years at the club, with Everton surely encouraged to get a deal done as they desperately search for their right-back solution.
How much would Fort cost Everton?
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Everton are keeping their options open regarding a new right-back after cooling their interest in Celtic's Alistair Johnston.
Everton are not the only club interested in signing Fort, with Fulham and Inter Milan also linked to his services in the last few days.
There could be a bidding war on the horizon for the Spanish youth international, with Diario AS reporting that Barca are set to demand around £8.5million for his services, even though he remains under contract until 2029.