Overview

• The season-long agreement runs until 30 June 2026 with no option to buy, keeping the defender under Barcelona’s long‑term control.
• Fort pursued the move after limited first‑team chances under Hansi Flick and to advance his development with consistent playing time.
• An earlier loan to Mallorca collapsed when the club failed to move on Pablo Maffeo, a prerequisite for completing the deal.
• Elche manager Eder Sarabia, formerly a Barcelona assistant, was influential in landing Fort, who joins fellow Barça loanee Iñaki Peña.
• Reported Premier League interest, including a late Everton enquiry and earlier attention from West Ham, did not lead to an alternative move.