 On 25 August 2009, Forlín was signed by RCD Espanyol from Spain – alongside Boca teammate Facundo Roncaglia – on a five-year deal, with the Catalans paying a fee of €4 million for 70% of his rights.He made his La Liga debut on 12 September in a 0–3 home loss against Real Madrid, and scored in his next appearance, a 3–2 win at Deportivo de La Coruña, finishing his first season with 24 appearances, receiving 11 yellow cards and being sent off once.During his spell with the "Pericos", Forlín was regularly used by compatriot Mauricio Pochettino as both a central defender and a defensive midfielder.