Hector Fort leaves Barcelona to join Real Sociedad in deal worth €8m

Hector Fort has completed a permanent move from Barcelona to Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth about eight million euros.

Barcelona confirmed the transfer on Monday, bringing to an end the defender’s long association with the Catalan club. As part of the agreement, Barcelona have retained a buy-back option and will also receive a percentage of any future sale involving the 19-year-old.

Fort has signed a contract with Real Sociedad that runs until 2031 and will now aim to establish himself in the Basque club’s defence.

The teenager joined Barcelona’s academy at a young age and spent more than a decade progressing through the club’s youth system. He eventually made his breakthrough into the first team, but was unable to secure a regular place in the senior squad.

He spent last season on loan at Elche, where he gained further experience in first-team football. Following that spell, Fort has now decided to leave Barcelona on a permanent basis in search of more consistent opportunities.

The defender had already begun familiarising himself with his new surroundings before the move was formally completed. He was present at Real Sociedad’s match against Espanyol on Saturday, watching from the stands as the club prepared to welcome him.

For Barcelona, the deal provides an immediate transfer fee while ensuring the club retains a degree of influence over Fort’s future. The buy-back clause means they could have the option to re-sign him if he develops into the player they expect him to become. Barcelona will also benefit financially should Real Sociedad sell the defender in the future.

Fort’s departure is part of a series of expected moves from Barcelona during the final days of the transfer window. Toni Fernandez is set to join Venezia, while Marc Casado has been linked with RB Leipzig and Besiktas.

The changes come as Barcelona continue to manage their squad and transfer business before the window closes. Fort’s exit represents the latest stage in a relationship that began in the club’s academy and continued through his rise to first-team football.

Barcelona will now turn their focus back to La Liga. Their next fixture is against Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou on Monday night.