Borussia Dortmund are leading the race to sign Barcelona defender Hector Fort on a permanent deal, with a resolution expected within days. The Bundesliga club and Barcelona are actively negotiating terms, though no agreement has yet been reached—a gap Real Sociedad believe they can exploit.
Barcelona retain partial ownership of Fort and are demanding approximately €15 million plus a buy-back clause to release the 19-year-old full-back. Dortmund remain favourites despite Real Sociedad’s late push to hijack the transfer, as the San Sebastian outfit look to reinforce their right flank and reportedly prepare an opening bid that could interest the Catalan club.
Sociedad’s window of opportunity closing
Real Sociedad have not abandoned their pursuit, according to reports from MARCA. The LaLiga side view the current stalemate between Dortmund and Barcelona as a chance to table a competitive offer and thrust themselves into contention for Fort’s signature.
Their timing appears calculated: with Dortmund still haggling over fees, Sociedad sense vulnerability. However, they face a fundamental problem that transcends financial muscle. Fort has made clear his preference for a move to the Bundesliga, a preference that tilts the scales decisively in Dortmund’s favour regardless of how closely Sociedad’s bid might match or exceed the German club’s package.
Why Fort’s ambition favours Dortmund
The young defender’s stated desire to test himself in Germany represents the decisive edge in this negotiation. Even if Real Sociedad’s proposal delivers equivalent or superior financial terms, persuading Fort to remain within La Liga when his heart is set on continental football presents a barrier Sociedad may not overcome. The draw of Dortmund’s project and the Bundesliga’s standing in European football gives the Signal Iduna Park club an intangible advantage that money alone cannot replicate.
Barcelona’s willingness to sell—provided the fee and contractual safeguards meet their requirements—suggests Fort’s departure is inevitable rather than hypothetical. The clubs’ ongoing dialogue points toward resolution imminently, though the final destination hinges on whether Fort’s personal sporting ambitions align more closely with German football than remaining in Spain.
