English Premier League
Dortmund step up pursuit of Barcelona defender Hector Fort
Borussia Dortmund are pushing hard to sign Barcelona right-back Hector Fort during the current summer transfer window, with the German club now reported to be the leading contenders for the 20-year-old.
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Dortmund have made Fort a priority as the defender prepares to leave Barcelona after falling out of favour with manager Hansi Flick.
Fort has been training away from the main group for several days while his future is resolved. The Barcelona academy graduate is looking for a club where he can secure regular first-team football during the new season.
Barcelona value Fort at between €15m and €20m, but do not want to lose complete control of the player. The Catalan club could therefore accept a lower initial fee if they retain a percentage of his rights or include a buy-back clause in the agreement.
Fort’s first preference had been a move to the Premier League, where he believed he would have the opportunity to demonstrate his ability. However, Dortmund have now entered the race strongly and appear to have moved ahead of their competition.
Journalist Matteo Moretto first revealed Dortmund’s interest, while Mundo Deportivo also reports that the Bundesliga club are currently closest to completing a deal for Fort.
Dortmund’s need for reinforcements at right-back has increased following the loan move of Yan Couto to Como. Julian Ryerson is currently the only right-back in the club’s squad, meaning Fort could provide strong competition for a starting place at a high level.
The German club’s established policy of giving young players significant playing time could also appeal to Fort as he considers the next stage of his development. A move would offer him the chance to play in the Bundesliga, while Dortmund’s involvement in the Champions League provides an additional incentive.
Fort is keen to prove his ability this year after a disrupted loan spell at Elche. During that period, he suffered a dislocation of his left shoulder, an injury which ruled him out for a substantial part of the season.
He is now seeking a fresh opportunity after being removed from Flick’s plans at Barcelona. Dortmund are pressing to secure his services and believe their squad situation, approach to developing young players and European ambitions could make them an attractive destination.
The proposed transfer would allow Barcelona to raise a significant fee for a player who has not established himself in the first team, while preserving the possibility of benefiting from his future development through a retained percentage or a buy-back provision.
For Fort, the move would represent a chance to play regularly at a club competing in one of Europe’s strongest leagues. Dortmund’s interest has changed the picture considerably, with the club now regarded as the most likely destination for the defender.