Late twist puts Hector Fort on course for Real Sociedad move

Real Sociedad are one step away from signing Barcelona defender Hector Fort after making a late move to win a closely fought European transfer race involving Borussia Dortmund.

Reports from the programme “Gigantes” and Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo say the Basque club accelerated negotiations significantly in recent hours. Their progress came as Borussia Dortmund hesitated over an attractive proposal they had made for the 20-year-old, allowing Real Sociedad to move ahead and establish themselves as Fort’s likely destination.

The proposed transfer would take the young full-back to Anoeta Stadium, with Barcelona set to receive about €8m for his contract. However, the Catalan club have negotiated a significant safeguard as part of the agreement and will retain 50% of Fort’s future rights.

That arrangement reflects Barcelona’s continued belief in the player’s potential, despite his departure from the immediate plans of head coach Hansi Flick. It also gives Barcelona the opportunity to benefit financially if Fort develops strongly at Real Sociedad and later attracts a major offer.

A decisive meeting took place on Wednesday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Barcelona’s training complex. The club’s sporting director met Fort’s representatives, Arturo Canales and Fernando Solanas, and the two sides reached a final agreement.

The deal is not yet being presented as formally announced, but Real Sociedad are now understood to be on the verge of completing the move after overtaking Borussia Dortmund in the race.

Fort’s position at Barcelona had become increasingly uncertain in recent weeks. He had been training separately from the first-team group while his future was being resolved. The individual programme was also intended to ensure that he avoided an injury which could have complicated his departure.

The change in momentum represents a late development in a transfer which had appeared open to more than one outcome. Dortmund had put forward an appealing offer for the player, but their hesitation gave Real Sociedad the opportunity to act quickly and take control of the negotiations.

Barcelona’s decision to keep half of Fort’s future rights means the club will continue to have a financial interest in his career after the transfer. Should he enjoy the anticipated breakthrough in a Real Sociedad shirt, Barcelona would be positioned to benefit from any subsequent sale.

For Real Sociedad, the agreement would secure one of the most promising talents to emerge from Barcelona’s academy. For Fort, it offers a new destination after he was removed from Flick’s plans and spent the recent weeks preparing for a decision on his next club.

The final details were settled during the meeting between Barcelona and the player’s agents, leaving Real Sociedad close to confirming the signing.