Hector Fort edges closer to Borussia Dortmund move as Barcelona weigh final deal terms

Representatives of Borussia Dortmund have arrived in Barcelona to complete negotiations for Hector Fort, with the 20-year-old defender now close to leaving the Catalan club during the current transfer window.

Fort has already agreed to Dortmund’s proposal, despite having a contract with Barcelona that runs until 2029, according to Mundo Deportivo. The remaining obstacle is the final structure and value of the transfer, with the two clubs still discussing how the fee would be paid.

Barcelona are seeking between €15m and €20m for Fort, reflecting his experience with the club’s first team. Another possible agreement would involve an initial fee of more than €10m, with Barcelona retaining a significant percentage of any future transfer and securing a buy-back option. In Germany, the overall value of the deal being discussed is understood to be close to €50m.

Fort sees a move to Dortmund as an opportunity to continue developing his game. The German club has a strong reputation for giving young players regular opportunities to improve and compete at a high level.

He would provide greater depth at right-back and challenge Julian Ryerson for a place in Dortmund’s starting line-up. His possible departure from Barcelona follows a change in his position within Hansi Flick’s plans, with the head coach instead choosing academy player Xavi Espart as an alternative at right-back.

Fort has made about 30 appearances for Barcelona’s first team since making his senior debut against Antwerp in the Champions League on 13 December 2023. Barcelona lost that match 3-2 to the Belgian side.

The defender spent last season on loan at Elche, where he played 17 matches and produced a series of encouraging performances. His campaign was interrupted by a previous dislocation of his left shoulder shortly before the Christmas period. The injury kept him out for four months, although he returned towards the end of the season and helped Elche secure their survival with his performances.

If the transfer is completed, Fort will work under Croatian manager Niko Kovac. Kovac previously served as Hansi Flick’s assistant at Bayern Munich at the beginning of the 2019-20 season.

Flick and Kovac have maintained a good relationship and have exchanged praise in European meetings involving their teams. The pair faced one another during the 2024-25 season, when Flick was in charge of Barcelona and Kovac led Borussia Dortmund.

Fort joined Barcelona at the age of seven after arriving from the Penya Barcelona Anguera academy. He developed entirely within the Catalan football environment, making a potential move away from the club significant both in sporting and financial terms.

The negotiations now centre on whether Barcelona and Dortmund can settle the final transfer arrangements. Fort’s agreement to join the German club has already been secured, but the payment structure, future-sale clause and possible buy-back provision must still be resolved before the move can be completed.