Aston Villa are exploring a late move to sign Barcelona defender Hector Fort, GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
The Villans have reportedly made contact to be informed on the 19-year-old’s situation, as Fort could depart the Nou Camp before the transfer deadline on September 1, following a reported clash with manager Hansi Flick.
Initial talks are believed to be ongoing between the two sides over a potential deal, with Villa anticipating a busy end to summer business amid ongoing player departures.
Unai Emery’s side have agreed a £40m deal to sell midfielder Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle United and are also in talks over Leon Bailey’s departure to Roma on loan.
Aston Villa Keen on Barcelona’s Hector Fort
Emery
Romano, writing on X, has revealed that Aston Villa have made initial contact to explore a move for Fort, with talks between the two sides ongoing.
Fort, who made his Barcelona first-team debut in December 2023, featured in 20 games across all competitions under Flick last term, starting on five occasions.
The ‘excellent’ defender served as a deputy for first-choice right-back Jules Kounde, but a sale is now on the cards as Barcelona are struggling to register new players for the new season and are still looking to offload several first-team stars before the deadline.
Villa, meanwhile, recruited a promising Spanish right-back from La Liga in January when they welcomed former Levante ace Andres Garcia on a long-term deal.
The 22-year-old defender made 10 appearances during his first six months at Villa Park, including starting five games in the Premier League.
Villa have endured a fairly quiet summer window in terms of incomings, with goalkeeper Marco Bizot and striker Evann Guessand the only two notable senior arrivals.
Emery’s side kick off their Premier League campaign with a home clash against Newcastle on Saturday.
Sign up toThe GIVEMESPORT Reportto get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.