Barcelona Looks to Offload Hector Fort as Transfer Talks with Real Sociedad Heat Up
Barcelona is actively pursuing opportunities to move on several players as the end of the summer transfer window approaches. Notably, Marc Casado and Hector Fort are no longer part of Hansi Flick’s plans and have been training separately from the main squad while seeking new solutions.
According to Fabrizio Romano, who is sharing insights from Matteo Moretto, Fort is nearing a transfer, with Real Sociedad becoming a likely destination. Reports suggest that Barcelona is expected to receive approximately €8 million for Fort’s transfer, while also retaining 50% of his future rights.
The transfer dialogue has gained momentum following a meeting between Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, and representatives for Fort. On Wednesday, Deco also engaged in advanced discussions with Real Sociedad’s sporting director, Erik Bretos, in an effort to finalize the deal.
Fort has encountered stiff competition for playing time within Barcelona, and his departure appears increasingly possible as the summer continues. The 20-year-old defender faces challenges to secure a spot in Hansi Flick’s starting lineup, particularly with the emergence of Xavi Espart, who has limited Fort’s opportunities.
From Barcelona’s standpoint, the club aims to find a solution that is beneficial both financially and in terms of the player’s development. Fort has shown sufficient potential to suggest he could succeed at a high level, but securing regular playing time in Flick’s squad remains difficult.
Despite not completely relinquishing control over Fort, Barcelona has taken steps to protect their interests. By including a meaningful sell-on clause in the deal, Barca safeguards their stake in Fort’s potential success at Sociedad.
Young players like Fort often face unpredictable development paths, and regular senior football could significantly enhance his value. As one of the more talented graduates of La Masia, Fort has yet to make an impact on the first team. However, a successful stint at Real Sociedad could pave the way for a future return to Barcelona. The situation will unfold as the player embarks on this new chapter at the Basque club.
Barcelona have a few players the club are looking to move on in the final days of the summer transfer window.
The likes of Marc Casado and Hector Fort are no longer in Hansi Flick’s plans and have been training away from the squad while trying to find a solution.
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Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, relaying information from Matteo Moretto, Fort appears to be closing in on an exit, with Real Sociedad emerging as the destination.
Talks advance after Deco meeting
Barcelona are set to earn around €8m as a transfer fee from Fort’s sale while also retaining 50% of his future rights.
According to Carlos Monfort, the situation appears to have accelerated following a meeting between Barcelona sporting director Deco and Fort’s representatives.
There have also been advanced talks on Wednesday between Deco and Real Sociedad sporting director Erik Bretos as the two clubs attempted to finalise the operation.
Hector Fort is facing immense competition for places at Barcelona.
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(Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Fort’s departure has been increasingly likely as the summer has progressed, with the 20-year-old facing significant competition for opportunities in Hansi Flick’s squad.
The emergence of Xavi Espart effectively shut the first-team door for Fort, and a move to Sociedad could be the perfect next step for his career.
Fort needs regular football
From Barcelona’s perspective, the important issue was always finding an arrangement that makes sense both financially and for the player’s development.
Fort has already demonstrated enough ability to suggest that he can establish himself at a high level, but his pathway into Flick’s starting XI is complicated.
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The coach has several solutions available at right-back, most notably Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia, while the emergence of other young options further increases competition.
At this stage of Fort’s career, another season spent fighting for occasional minutes would not necessarily be the best outcome.
Barcelona must protect their interests
However, Barça have been careful about not completely surrendering control over a talented academy product.
Securing a meaningful sell-on clause from Fort’s sale sees Barca protected in the event of Fort exploding and realizing his true potential at Sociedad.
Xavi Espart has emerged as the next big thing at right-back for Hansi Flick. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
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Young players do not always develop according to the timeline of the first team, and Fort could become considerably more valuable with regular senior football.
Without a doubt, the 20-year-old is one of the more talented La Masia graduates in recent times with no opportunity in the first team.
However, if he can go out and make a name for himself, Barça could keep the door open for a return in the future.
It remains to be seen how Fort gets on at the Basque club and if there is an opportunity for him to return to the Catalan club in the future.
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