Everton's right-back problem is an open secret in the Premier League, with the Toffees struggling to find a replacement for Seamus Coleman. However, the emergence of Hector Fort may have arrived just in time, as the 20-year-old defender looks to be heading for the exit door at Barcelona. The La Masia graduate spent last season on loan at Elche, where he was involved in four league goals and completed 1.49 dribbles per game with a 57% success rate for long passes. ## What stands out about Fort? His ability in possession is one of his key strengths, with the ability to pick out Thierno Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall with long passes. ## Why is Fort a good fit for Everton? Fort's work going forward doesn't come at a cost for defensive work, with the young right-back winning five duels and just over two tackles per 90 last season. ## What comes next for Fort? Everton have now leapfrogged Liverpool to sign Fort from Barcelona, with the Catalan giants green-lighting the defender's exit. The Toffees, alongside Fulham, are keen to secure Fort's arrival, who has the ceiling to become Everton's long-term heir for Seamus Coleman. ## What else is happening at Everton? The Toffees have also agreed a swap deal to sign Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace, with Dwight McNeil heading in the opposite direction. ## League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 13th in Premier League, 49 pts, 13W-10D-15L from 38 games, recent form LLDDL. ## Goals this season: 47 scored, 50 conceded (-3 goal difference). ## Title race: 36 points behind leaders Arsenal. ## Last result: Tottenham 1-0 Everton (2026-05-24). ## Recent form (last 5): 0W-1D-4L (LLLLD, most recent first); lost the last 4. ## Next fixture: vs Ipswich (at home, 2026-09-19).