Barcelona Sets Price as Dortmund Leads Héctor Fort Race

What looked like a simple exit route for Héctor Fort has turned into a small transfer tug-of-war.

Barcelona’s plan to move the young full-back on is edging closer to a conclusion, but the path that once seemed to lead straight to Borussia Dortmund now has a sharp detour: Real Sociedad.

Dortmund still in pole, but Barça change the rules

In recent days, Dortmund appeared to be on the brink of an agreement with Barcelona. The Bundesliga club had moved ahead of the pack and looked well placed to close a deal for one of La Masia’s latest prospects.

Then Real Sociedad arrived.

The Basque side stepped into the negotiations late, gathering detailed information on the conditions of Fort’s departure and immediately complicating what had been a clean run for Dortmund. They have not overtaken the Germans, but they have made this a genuine contest.

According to the latest from Matteo Moretto (via FCB World), Dortmund still sit in the strongest position to strike a deal. The difference now is that Barcelona have drawn a very clear line in the sand.

The numbers: two clear formulas

Barça have set out two options for any club wanting Fort.

• First: a full sale. Barcelona want €20 million for 100% of the player’s rights. No buy-back, no shared ownership. A straight exit.
• Second: a shared bet on his future. The Catalan club are ready to discuss an offer in the region of €8–10 million in exchange for 50% of his rights, keeping a stake in any future upside.

Earlier indications had suggested a valuation of around €10 million. Moretto’s latest update doesn’t so much change that figure as explain it, revealing the structure Barcelona would actually prefer. The club either cash in fully at €20 million or accept a lower fee to remain tied to Fort’s long-term development.

Whichever club agrees to one of those two formulas will be in position to move forward and close the deal.

For now, Dortmund lead, Real Sociedad lurk, and Barcelona wait to see who is willing to pay not just for the player Fort is now, but for the defender they believe he can become.