Real Sociedad have officially announced the permanent signing of Barcelona defender Hector Fort, bringing an end to weeks of intense speculation surrounding the young full-back’s future.
Fort Snubs Dortmund to Sign Five-Year Deal with Real Sociedad
The 18-year-old has committed his long-term future to the Basque club, putting pen to paper on a five-year contract that will keep him at the Reale Arena until 2031.
The deal materialises just ahead of the summer transfer window deadline, with Fort becoming the latest player to depart Barcelona during this busy transfer period.
✍️ Héctor Fort is now txuri urdin. Ongi etorri, Héctor! Benvingut! Welcome! pic.twitter.com/P3AbqvOMe8
— Real Sociedad 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 (@RealSociedadEN) August 29, 2026
Fort had initially appeared destined for a move to Borussia Dortmund, with the German giants showing strong interest in securing his services.
However, Real Sociedad’s swift and decisive approach successfully diverted the talented defender’s path to San Sebastian.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sociedad will pay Barcelona approximately €8 million for the right-back.
The Catalan club have protected their long-term interests by inserting a buyback clause worth around €20 million, potentially allowing them to re-sign the player in future seasons.
The move represents a significant opportunity for Fort to establish himself as a first-team regular.
At Real Sociedad, he faces competition primarily from Jon Aramburu and Alvaro Odriozola, giving him a genuine chance to make his mark.
Fort’s versatility across both full-back positions, combined with his technical ability, suits manager Pellegrino Matarazzo’s tactical philosophy perfectly.
The American coach favours young, attacking wing-backs, and Fort’s marauding style aligns seamlessly with these requirements.
For Barcelona, the departure makes strategic sense. The club already possesses strong right-back options in Jules Kounde, Eric Garcia, and Joao Cancelo, while Xavi Espart has impressed at left-back during pre-season.
Fort’s pathway to regular first-team football at Camp Nou appeared blocked.
The young defender even attended Sociedad’s recent match against Espanyol, signalling his eagerness to complete the transfer.
Both clubs consider this a mutually beneficial arrangement, with Fort now poised to embark on an exciting new chapter in his developing career.
