An insight into the plans of the powers that be at La Liga giants Barcelona for the left-back spot in the club’s squad next season has this week been provided.
The info comes courtesy of Diario Sport, and points towards Barca preparing to focus on youth.
First-choice on the left of the Blaugrana’s backline is expected to be Alejandro Balde, who is inching towards an imminent return from a long-term injury absence.
And behind him, it is understood, will come Héctor Fort.
Youngster Fort has thoroughly impressed across limited minutes under Xavi’s watch this season.
As much has proven sufficient to convince the Barcelona brass of the defender’s deservingness of a new long-term contract, expected to be made official imminently.
Not only that, but at just 17, Fort is in line to make the step up to full-time first-team duties, as the first-choice stand-in at left-back, and an option on the right, too.
What this means for João Cancelo’s Barca prospects beyond the summer remains unclear, but it would appear to align with previous claims that, in the case of the Portuguese returning from Manchester City, the idea is to shift him back to his more natural berth at right-back.
Conor Laird | GSFN
