Everton have invested a lot of money in the transfer window this summer, and while most of the holes have been patched up, there is a glaring position of need that hasn’t been addressed: right back.
According to SPORT, the Toffees are interested in bringing 19 year old Hector Fort in on loan from FC Barcelona, as Hansi Flick has deemed the young defender as surplus to requirements. Last year, Fort played 20 matches in all competitions for the La Liga champions. Although he didn’t notch a single goal contribution, some of Fort’s rate stats look pretty good.
Hector Fort’s key stats in the last 365 days vs. all fullbacks on fbref.com76.5 |
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76.54 Passes Attempted per 90 (99th percentile) |
90.2 Pass Completion % (98th percentile) |
2.41 Touches (Att Pen) per 90 (86th percentile) |
0.13 xAG per 90 (68th percentile) |
The statistics and eye test both tell a similar picture. Fort is comfortable playing higher and overlapping the front line. This style of play is perfect for the Toffees because it complements the playing styles of Everton’s offensive players.
Tyler Dibling, who’s closing in on a move to Everton, likes to cut inside, leaving space open to his right. Fort could push higher and provide an option out wide, while Dibling wreaks havoc in the middle of the pitch. Same could be said for both Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish.
A big question mark regarding Fort’s quality is his defense. Sure, his defensive record with Barcelona was decent, but Barca isn’t Everton. Would he be ready to face some of the most talented wingers in the world consistently and do a job? Nobody really knows.
If Everton do, in fact, bring Fort on loan, it isn’t entirely clear if he’d be a starter either. Jake O'Brien is a completely different profile, and Moyes could use the two players as a platoon.
Nevertheless, bringing Fort would in fact address one of the club’s weakest positions, giving the Toffees a younger option with tons of upside, and if this deal is a loan, then there’s minimal risk.